WH-CH-045 Chivas Royal Salute 21 YO, RUBY RED version

🥃 Royal Salute 21 Years Old – Ruby Red / Ruby Flagon Version

The Ruby Red (also called Ruby Flagon) edition of the Royal Salute 21 Years Old is a distinctive variant of this flagship blend, housed in a deep ruby‑coloured ceramic decanter, offering both drink‑and‑display appeal for whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike.

✨ Features & Details

• Brand / Expression: Royal Salute 21 Years Old – Ruby Red / Ruby Flagon Version

• Type: Blended Scotch Whisky (age‑statement: 21 years)

• Region / Origin: Scotland

• ABV: Typically 40% (some older editions noted at 43%)

• Bottle Size: Commonly 700 ml (0.7 L) – some 75 cl or other vintage sizes may exist

• Maturation / Cask Details: Blend of whiskies matured at least 21 years in oak casks before blending and bottling

• Status: Premium blend; the “Ruby” decanter is one of the three classic colour variants (ruby, sapphire, emerald) and may indicate a particular vintage or presentation version.

👃 Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich fruity aromatics – orchard fruits (pear, apple), dried fruits, vanilla, subtle honey and oak‑spice aromas.

• Palate: Smooth, layered texture: caramelised sugar, soft oak, toasted nuts (hazelnut/almond), dark chocolate or cocoa, gentle spice.

• Finish: Long and warm; oak lingers, sweet dried fruit aftertaste, soft dry‑down with mild smoky or leathery undertones.

📝 Independent Review Highlights

• The Ruby decanter version is noted among collectors for its aesthetic appeal and classic packaging, representing an earlier or specialised variant of the 21‑year blend.

• Reviewers and whisky forums emphasise that while the liquid shows good depth and elegance for a blend the age of 21 years, much of the value (especially premium pricing) derives from the presentation, packaging and variant rather than radical flavour differences.

• Vintage Ruby bottles (e.g., late 1980s to 1990s) may carry additional interest among collectors due to scarcity, older fill levels, and older decanter styles.

🎁 Presentation & Collectibility

• Ideal For: Gifting, special occasions, display in a premium whisky collection, or for enthusiasts who appreciate both design and drinkability.

• Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed neat in a tulip or Glencairn glass to appreciate aromas; a drop of water may help open the sweet fruit and oak spice facets.

• Collectible Notes:

  • The ruby‑coloured ceramic (or glazed) decanter is iconic and helps differentiate this version from other colour variants (sapphire blue, emerald green).

  • Condition is crucial: intact decanter, original cap/seal, box or pouch intact, good fill level. Older bottles may show slight oxidation or label ageing which affects value.

  • Because many versions of Royal Salute 21 exist across markets and years, knowing the production year, packaging variant, colour decanter and region of sale can influence rarity/value significantly.