Royal Salute sparks creativity with Forces of Nature by Kate MccGwire
GTR shoppers can pick up this ultra-prestige limited edition at key airports including China Hainan, Sydney, London Heathrow, Dubai International and Singapore's Changi
Royal Salute has unveiled an enchanting new expression, the Royal Salute Forces of Nature by Kate MccGwire. This ultra-prestige release is the first iteration from Royal Salute’s new pinnacle collection "The Art of Wonder."
Releases from this collection will be created in collaboration with some of the most critically acclaimed artists of today, taking inspiration from whisky blending, to create a lasting tribute to the transformative power of creativity.
For global travel retail shoppers around the world, five out of the 21 limited edition decanters will be available to passengers traveling through key global travel hubs. An exclusive set will be available at each of the following airports: China Hainan, Sydney, London Heathrow, Dubai International and Singapore’s Changi.
For the inaugural expression in the new series, Royal Salute has invited celebrated British sculptor, Kate MccGwire, who specializes in the medium of feathers, to create a one-of-a-kind piece to accompany an ultra-rare expression. Drawing inspiration from Royal Salute’s expertise in whisky blending, the distilleries and the blending process, Kate MccGwire’s "Forces of Nature," perfectly marries the two worlds of fine art and whisky.
Expertly crafted by Royal Salute Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, the new expression, released as part of the collection is a stunning and ultra-rare 53-Year-Old blend, with just 21 decanters available, individually handblown by artisan glassmakers, Dartington Crystal. Each decanter is engraved with intricate feathers and gilded in 24-carat gold leaf, with magnificent curves inspired by Kate MccGwire’s sculptures.
The 53-Year-Old age statement is one of the highest ages ever released by Royal Salute, alluding to the year 1953, in which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was crowned and Royal Salute was established. The expression is rich and fruity on the nose, leading to notes of berries, candied walnuts and sweet toasted oak with a long, rich and slightly dry finish.
The first product reveal for global travel retail travelers will take place at the inaugural World of Wines and Spirits (WOWS) event at Changi Airport and Royal Salute, The Art Edition will take part in a highly anticipated silent auction, held on the WOWs portal. The exclusive set will also be displayed from mid-November at the Royal Salute pop up boutique in Changi Airport Terminal 3, with shoppers expected to get immersed in the "Forces of Nature by Kate MccGwire" theme.
"This special ultra-prestige release is another example of Royal Salute's continued creativity and exquisite craftsmanship. With collectability and investment important in this segment, we have noticed a thirst for truly luxury items, so I'm confident that this unique expression will excite travelers around the world," says Liya Zhang, Vice President of Marketing at Pernod Ricard GTR.
“For the first volume from the Art of Wonder collection, I wanted to create an outstanding expression that reflected Royal Salute’s desire to push individual craft beyond expectation. To do that, together with my expert team, we crafted an opulent 53-Year-Old blend, one of the highest ages we have ever released. This is a thrilling moment, and it’s been a privilege to blend such rare and precious whiskies at the pinnacle of what is achievable with delicate high-aged stock laid down by my predecessors," adds Hyslop.
"For this body of work, I was inspired by the unpredictable and ever-changing 'Forces of Nature' that influence the forms of energy that embody my sculptures. The three pieces I have created exclusively for Royal Salute celebrate the world of whisky and use regal pheasant feathers which are so beautifully figured with luminous amber in the brown, reminiscent of a well-aged blend. After visiting the Strathisla Distillery, I was also inspired by Royal Salute's copper whisky stills and have used the material in two of the pieces I've created, 'Protean' and 'Plethora,'" comments MccGwire.
Due for release from October 2022, five of the 21 limited editions of Royal Salute "Forces of Nature by Kate MccGwire" will be available to purchase at selected airports.
