Cover The spectacular launch of the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition kicked off this month at The Ember Beach Club in Desaru Coast

The launch of the latest expression in Royal Salute’s iconic Polo Collection kicked off this month at The Ember Beach Club in Desaru Coast

Royal Salute, the master of exceptionally aged Scotch whisky, has held an illustrious connection with the game of polo for over 15 years. The brand’s ability to capture the allure and prestige of the world’s most exceptional polo locations is seen in its latest expression inspired by the sport, namely, The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition. Endorsed by celebrated player and Royal Salute World Polo Ambassador Malcolm Borwick, The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition is the sixth edition in Royal Salute’s renowned Polo Collection and draws inspiration from modern-day polo destination Miami.

The city evokes images of famed polo clubs, luxurious beaches, balmy weather, and vibrant nightlife. It also embodies the scintillating synergy between the ‘Sport of kings’ and an appreciation for the finer things in life.

Read more: Hey neigh-bour: 6 beautiful equestrian clubs and resorts in Malaysia

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Above Royal Salute has held an illustrious connection with polo for over 15 years

Royal Salute’s master blender, Sandy Hyslop, crafted the The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition with a unique twist as a nod to the city’s tropical glam: finishing the bespoke whisky in a blend of classic first-fill bourbon and first-fill rye casks. The result? A superbly smooth finish with vanilla and coconut notes to echo the resplendence of Miami’s golden beaches, and a subtly spiced edge.

The new expression marks a first in Royal Salute’s blending history, with Hyslop remarking: “Miami is such a dynamic city, so we wanted to craft a blend that would echo this with an exciting new dimension. Selecting the finest first-fill bourbon and rye casks to finish the special formulation of whiskies aged for a minimum of 21 years allowed us to impart some incredible flavours and emphasise the sweet and spicy notes of the final blend.”

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Above Subtle notes of pear, honey blossom, and vanilla pastel de nata against white chocolate, marzipan and cinnamon give the 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition a smooth finish
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Above The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition is the sixth edition in Royal Salute’s renowned Polo Collection
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Photo 1 of 10 The Ember Beach Club at One & Only Desaru Coast was decked out to celebrate the launch of the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition
Photo 2 of 10 The Ember Beach Club at One & Only Desaru Coast was decked out to celebrate the launch of the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition
Photo 3 of 10 The Ember Beach Club at One & Only Desaru Coast was decked out to celebrate the launch of the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition
Photo 4 of 10 The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition
Photo 5 of 10 Sunset cocktails made with the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition
Photo 6 of 10 Horseback-riding and more beach activities at the launch of the new whisky at One & Only Desaru Coast
Photo 7 of 10 Guests were guided through the Royal Salute Olfactory Studio experience
Photo 8 of 10 Wagyu beef with whisky pickled onion, white onion puree and garlic oil, paired with the Royal Salute 21 Year Old The Malts Blend
Photo 9 of 10 The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition paired with sea bass sashimi served with coconut lime and green nahm jim
Photo 10 of 10 A delicious dessert of caramelized whisky pear with toasted pecan. honey Whisky Glaze and lavender gelato, paired with the The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition

To celebrate this exquisite blend in Malaysia, the Ember Beach Club at Desaru Coast was transformed to reflect the exhilirating sights and sounds of Miami, with striking pink and teal backdrops decked out in flowers, polo paraphernalia and Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition pink flagons positioned next to their beautiful casings, adorned with an illustrative design depicting glamorous post-polo match gatherings set against Miami’s famous art-deco architecture.

In an exclusive partnership with Mercedes-Benz, guests took a scenic drive from the Mercedes Benz Malaysia headquarters in Kuala Lumpur to Desaru Coast in selected Mercedes models. Upon arrival, they were instantly immersed in the island lifestyle as they enjoyed an array of refreshing cocktails and beachside activities, including a breezy beach canter on horseback.

See also: Pernod Ricard would like us to drink more water

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Above Guests donned their best pink and gold attire to celebrate the launch of the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition at the Ember Beach Club in Desaru Coast

By evening, sunset drinks were served throughout the Ember Beach Club as guests turned up in their best pink and gold attire to celebrate the official launch of the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition in a magnificent ceremony overlooking the South China Sea. 

A unique food and whisky pairing followed as guests sat down to a decadent six-course meal expertly paired with a range of Royal Salute whiskies, specifically the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blend, the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Malts Blend, and the star of the show, the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition–the latter well complemented by a zesty appetiser of sea bass sashimi served with coconut lime and green nahm jim.      

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As part of the pairing experience, guests were also taken through the Royal Salute Olfactory Studio experience led by Pernod Ricard Malaysia’s Scotch Whisky Ambassador Rachael Turner, in which specially curated scents were designed to complement the dishes and whisky pairings.

The afterparty on the beach hit all the right notes as guests enjoyed bespoke Royal Salute cocktails over the upbeat sounds of a DJ, once again recreating the heady atmosphere of Miami’s lively nightlife.

With subtle notes of juicy ripe pears, honey blossom, and vanilla pastel de nata against hints of white chocolate, marzipan and cinnamon spice, the 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition boasts a complex finish that’s both spicy and slightly sweet.

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Above The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition draws inspiration from the world's best modern-day polo destination, Miami

Shares Royal Salute World Polo Ambassador Malcolm Borwick: “Miami is a special place, and somewhere I’ve spent a lot of time, being such an integral stop on the international polo circuit. The city’s cultural energy is electric, and as a contemporary capital of polo, it’s a fitting destination to honour within the Royal Salute Polo Collection. Capturing its dynamism within a high-aged Scotch whisky is no easy feat, and this new blend will be a perfect dram to enjoy after my next polo match there.”

Available in limited quantities at selected premium retail and liquor stores, The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition starts from RM1,128 and is also available for direct purchase via the official Pernod Ricard Malaysia Shopee store 

Credits

Photography: Pernod Ricard Malaysia

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Tania Jayatilaka
Digital Editor, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia

Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.