Spirit Forward is a series documenting the latest releases in the world of drinks. In this edition, we check out the latest offerings from Royal Salute, Dom Perignon, and Bunnahabhain.
Miami—known for its vibrant nightlife, palm-tree fringed roads, and gorgeous pink sunsets by the beach, is now host of the newest edition of the Royal Salute Polo series. Incidentally, the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition is also dressed in a pink flacon for the occasion. Previous editions have seen the brand heading to notable polo locations around such as India, Argentina, and St Moritz in Switzerland. This time around, Royal Salute is flying across the pond to Miami, a modern-day polo destination.
“Miami is such a dynamic city, so we wanted to craft a blend that would echo this with an exciting new dimension,” said Sandy Hyslop, Royal Salute Master Blender. “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, perfectly nodding to Miami’s vibrant scene.”
This new whisky expression marks a first for Royal Salute’s blending history, featuring bespoke whisky finished in a blend of classic first-fill bourbon and first-fill rye casks—both American oaks. It results in a whisky with smooth vanilla and coconut notes with a subtly spicy finish. Now, isn’t this reminiscent of a day out at the Miami beach? On the nose, you get juicy ripe pears, honey blossom, and vanilla pastel de nata with a hint of white chocolate, marzipan, and cinnamon spice. As you take a sip of the liquid, your palate is awashed with sweet apricot, coconut flakes, milk chocolate, lemon curd, and gingerbread.
Channelling the same vibrancy of the city, the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition gets dressed in a pink–some would even say Millennial Pink–flacon. It comes housed in a presentation box adorned with post-polo match gatherings with a backdrop of the Miami art-deco architecture.
Bringing this same vibrancy to the beaches of Desaru Coast in Johor, Royal Salute recently gave Ember Beach Club in One&Only Desaru Coast a royal makeover, featuring the brand’s emblematic lion and beachside cabanasin the same pink as the flacon. The brand introduced the new edition to Malaysia to a select group of guests who were special enough to celebrate the launch—and that included us.
We drove Mercedes-Benz EVs from Kuala Lumpur down south to Desaru Coast; specifically, the EQS 500 4Matic. Over four hours flew by in the EV, bolstered by a comfortable driving–and passenger–experience. Soon enough, we got to the sparkling One&Only Desaru Coast, where the iconic swimming pool greeted us.
In keeping with British polo traditions, horses were brought in to the beach for guests to enjoy a little trot down the beach. If not up for a trot, we could also acquaint ourselves with an easy game of croquet and cornhole. If even that was too much for the weary body, we could simply lounge in the cabana, sipping on Royal Salute cocktails and watching the sun set.
As the sun went lower we settled down for dinner, which was a six-course meal created specially for the occasion, paired with Royal Salute whiskies. As we supped and sipped, brand ambassador Rachael Turner walked us through the tasting notes of each whisky expression, elevating the senses with Royal Salute perfumes—created by celebrated perfumer Barnabé Fillion. The party continued way after the final course had left the table, fueled by DJ Annjo’s spun tunes and Royal Salute cocktails. Desaru Coast is no Miami, but we can definitely keep up with the glamour here.
The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition is available in limited quantities starting from RM1,128 at selected premium retail and liquor stores, as well as via direct purchase from Pernod Ricard Malaysia.
Dom Perignon Vintage 2015
2015 was what the champagne people called a very “solar” year. From a very cold spring, it transitioned to drought, intense heat, and sunlight. As a result, the vineyards had their first harvest on September 7th—fairly early compared to other vintages. The Dom Perignon Vintage 2015 is dark and tactile, with floral, spicy, herbal, and fruity impressions. On the nose, you will, at first, get roasted notes and cacao powder which then opens up to a floral bouquet of linden leaves, jasmine, and peony with spicy hints of anise and cardamom. At first sip, its intention is immediately clear and consistent: you get a full yet delicate impression on the palate, with a long finish. You get fresh peaches with bitter notes of citrus and gentian, a type of bitter root.
The Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015 is exclusively available at Dom Pérignon Society and Dom Pérignon: Reunion establishments since September 2024. The restaurants are: DC by Darren Chin, Cilantro, Nadodi, Potager, Beta KL, Molina, Eat and Cook, Hide KL, and Sushi Taka.
Bunnahabhain Fèis Ìle 2024: 14-year-old Ruby Port Cask Finish
Fèis Ìle, also known as the Islay Festival, is an annual gathering of whisky and Islay fans in the final week of May. It is a 10-day event where whisky lovers around the world gather to celebrate the many distilleries in Scotland, and where distilleries themselves create special whisky editions too. One such distillery is Bunnahabhain, and one of their contributions to the event is the 14-year-old Ruby Port Cask Finish.
The Ruby Port Cask Finish is first filled into bourbon casks before being finished in Ruby Port Hogsheads. Tasting almost similar to a sherry, the Ruby Port Cask Finish has notes of candied fruit, cinnamon, and plum, alongside the Bunnahabhain’s signature creamy and malty spirit. It is bottled at 58.7%, so proceed with caution.
The Bunnahabhain Fèis Ìle 2024: 14-year-old Ruby Port Cask Finish can be purchased at Single & Available retail outlets and online at a price of RM699.
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