Following two exciting collaborations with British designer Richard Quinn, Royal Salute has unveiled the latest chapter of its Fashion Collection – this time in partnership with visionary designer Harris Reed. This exciting third release celebrates the craftsmanship, elegance, and bold creativity of both partners, culminating in the Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Harris Reed Edition.
The Malaysian launch of this extraordinary expression premiered at the Michelin-Selected Skillet KL restaurant, highlighted by a specially curated menu designed to complement the range of Royal Salute whiskies. The lineup included the iconic Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Signature Blend, the decadent Royal Salute 24-Year-Old Cognac Cask, and the evening’s pièce de résistance, the Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Harris Reed Edition.
Scotch whisky ambassador Iona McEwan led guests through a tasting of these unique expressions, which paired beautifully with the menu’s fresh, seasonal ingredients. ‘Twas a regal experience – and rightfully so, for a collection that takes cues from Reed’s perception of royalty.
Inspired by modern-day royalty
Alumnus of the prestigious Central Saint Martins and newly appointed Creative Director of Nina Ricci, Harris Reed is a rising star in today’s global fashion scene. Renowned for his intricately crafted demi-couture, gender-fluid designs, Reed drew inspiration from his own signature headpieces and Royal Salute’s storied heritage to create a contemporary vision of a royal crown for this collaborative collection.
Each theatrical flagon is adorned with a striking halo of feathers, blending traditional regal elements with avant-garde flair. Presented in three captivating colourways – blue, fuschia, and gold – the designs entice both fashion connoisseurs and collectors alike.
“I always strive to focus my creativity on magnifying what’s on the inside, and diving into the depths of Royal Salute’s unique heritage and our shared passion for craft and pushing creative boundaries became a rich source of inspiration throughout our collaboration. Luxury is something to collect and treasure, and I am so delighted to share such an exceptional whisky that can be enjoyed and talked about around the globe,” Reed commented on the partnership.
A blend of two unique crafts
The whisky housed within each flagon mirrors the ingenuity of its presentation. To truly embody the values that brought the two worlds of fashion and whisky together, Royal Salute Master Blender Sandy Hyslop first welcomed Harris Reed to the iconic Strathisla Distillery in Speyside, Scotland, for an intimate blending session. Together, they developed the audacious new Scotch, a testament to their combined craftmanship.
The resulting Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Harris Reed Edition captures the distillery’s hallmark style, punctuated by a few notes of distinction. Marrying the finest Scotch whiskies within the brand’s inventory, the blend incorporates sherry-matured Braeval whisky, evoking rich notes of raisins and spice reminiscent of Reed’s childhood memories. This is masterfully balanced with malts aged in American oak barrels, infusing fruity, sweet notes. Rare grain whisky finished in charred virgin oak rounds off the blend, lending layers of creamy vanilla.
Elevating the collaboration further, Reed designed an exclusive fashion capsule of three distinct looks to match the colourways of the bottles. These accompany Reed’s famous bespoke headpieces, which he theatrically reimagines as modern-day crowns. To encapsulate their creative journey, Royal Salute commissioned acclaimed female director Ruth Hogben for a visually stunning film featuring iconic supermodel Erin O’Connor in a fourth bespoke Harris Reed creation.
A taste of luxury
What might one savour from this avant-garde expression? On the nose, the Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Harris Reed Edition enchants with notes of fresh red apples, homemade raspberry jam, and crème brûlée intertwined with swirls of nutty hazelnut praline, hints of cinnamon, and the warmth of sweet toasted oak.
Upon a sip, the palate welcomes layers of pear crumble, creamy vanilla fudge, and toasted almonds imparted by extra-charred virgin oak barrels, harmonised with sherry-matured Braeval, which unveils notes of raisin, gooseberry jam, vibrant ginger, and subtle clove. The experience culminates in rich, complex, and delightfully spiced finish.
The Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Harris Reed Edition in Blue is available exclusively in travel retail at Kuala Lumpur International Airport for RM1,335. Meanwhile, the Fuchsia and Gold editions are available at select retail outlets, priced from RM1,343 (West Malaysia) and RM1,369 (East Malaysia). Shop the bottle online via Pernod Ricard Malaysia’s Official Shopee Store here.
For more details and to explore the film and capsule collection, visit @royalsalute or royalsalute.com.
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