Cover World-renowned sculptor Conrad Shawcross
World-renowned sculptor Conrad Shawcross
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The 53-year-old rare whisky blend is encased in a special decanter crafted by world-renowned sculptor Conrad Shawcross, and only 1 unit is available in Singapore
Exceptional whiskies are even better when they are accompanied by collectible artworks, and that is what Royal Salute’s Art of Wonder series is all about. When the ultra-premium collection debuted in 2022, it introduced one of its rare blends to the whisky world encased in a special decanter designed by renowned British sculptor Kate MccGwire.
For its second edition, which was unveiled at Art SG Singapore last month, Royal Salute worked with world-renowned sculptor Conrad Shawcross to imagine the look of its decanter that holds its 53-year-old expression crafted by master blender Sandy Hyslop. In designing the collection, dubbed ‘Royal Salute Time Chamber by Conrad Shawcross’, Conrad shared that “I was inspired following my visit to Strathisla Distillery in Scotland, where the most precious Royal Salute blends are safeguarded. I was struck by the sheer amount of time contained in the age statement of this bespoke blend and wanted to capture this in multiple elements of the art piece.”
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Above The special decanter inspired by the many dimensions of time
Above The spindle and decanter form a spike to represent the vector of time
The special decanter inspired by the many dimensions of time
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What he created was a crystal decanter surrounded by a hand-spun disc that represents the essence of time. “The disc reflects the endless star systems in the night sky, while the spindle and decanter form a sort of spike, like an arrow through a target which represents a vector of time, implying strong directionality,” elaborated Shawcross.
The decanter is indeed the perfect complement to Hyslop’s blend, which consists of the finest whiskies in Scotland which were aged in European and American oak casks. The resulting whisky has rich and fruity notes, and a captivating bouquet of juicy berries, rich toffee, roasted almonds and spicy stem ginger and hints of spices.
Hyslop shared: “Just like the theme of time that has inspired Conrad’s piece of art, time is at the core of what we do when blending Royal Salute expression. Only by allowing the progression of time to take its effect on a whisky are we able to experience the extraordinary richness and depth of character of flavours that develop through time alone.”
There are only 21 Royal Salute Time Chamber by Conrad Shawcross units available worldwide, and 1 available for purchase in Singapore at selected retailers.
Credits
Images: Royal Salute
Dudi Aureus is the senior dining and travel editor at Tatler Singapore, covering the city’s most exciting restaurants, global travel trends, and the personalities shaping the culinary and lifestyle scenes. She also serves as co-jury chair for the Tatler Best awards in Singapore, celebrating the very best in hospitality. When she’s off duty, she can often be found at a favourite hole-in-the-wall Thai spot, savouring a perfectly balanced pad thai.
