There is a whisky for every season and every city. And in the entire Polo Collection crafted by Royal Salute Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, none captures its muse quite as vividly as the sixth edition — a sun-drenched homage to Miami that breaks new ground in Royal Salute’s blending history and arrives in one of the most distinctive flagons ever to land in global travel retail.
Where Scotland Meets Miami’s Golden Shores
The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition is the sixth edition in the Polo Collection and continues the Scotch whisky’s ethos of entering new kingdoms by capturing the culture of emblematic polo locations around the world. Previous editions have drawn inspiration from locations including London, Singapore and Rio de Janeiro. But Miami is different — sunnier, bolder, more American — and the whisky reflects it.
The whisky was created by Royal Salute Master Blender Sandy Hyslop. Inspired by Miami’s sun-kissed energy, the whisky is finished in a blend of classic first-fill bourbon and first-fill rye casks — a first in Royal Salute’s blending history. That is not a small detail. It marks the first time the brand has reached for all-American oak to define a blend, and the result is a departure — lighter, more vivid, more coastal.
“Malcolm has often shared with me the most amazing tales of playing sun-soaked polo matches against a cultural backdrop in Miami and Palm Beach. For me, the smooth taste profile of this release evokes those stunningly warm city sunsets that flood Miami’s skyline, and the layers of flavour play on the palate in a nod to the city’s dynamism and energy.”— Sandy Hyslop, Master Blender, Royal Salute
Tasting Notes: A Liquid Sunset
“The smooth vanilla and coconut notes from the bourbon casks are reminiscent of Miami’s golden sandy beaches, with subtle spice from the rye a nod to Miami’s vibrant, glamorous lifestyle.”— Royal Salute Official Tasting Notes
Opens with an inviting orchard-fresh character. Honeyed and delicate — the American oak finish is immediately present as a soft vanilla undercurrent.
Smooth, richly textured and immediately tropical. Confectionery notes dominate, balanced beautifully by the warm rye spice — unmistakably Miami in character.
Sweet, silky and medium-long — lingers like the last light settling over a Miami evening. Remarkably clean and balanced for a 21-year-old blend.
The Pink Flagon: Art Deco in a Bottle
Crafted to make a statement on the eye as well as the palate, the striking pink flagon of the Miami Polo Edition is inspired by Miami’s vibrant Art Deco architecture. The colour is an unmistakable signature — instantly recognisable on a shelf, and a deliberate departure from the navy blue and gold palette of most Royal Salute releases.
Crafted to make a statement on the eye as much as the palate, the striking pink flagon is inspired by Miami’s vibrant Art Deco architecture. Housed in a stunning presentation box adorned with illustrative post-polo-match gatherings set against iconic Miami sunsets, this is as much a lifestyle artefact as a whisky bottle.
The Royal Salute Polo Collection: Six Iconic Editions
From its inception to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, Royal Salute has been synonymous with the regality of polo, sponsoring tournaments worldwide. The Polo Collection translates that 15-year partnership into liquid form — each release a portrait of a different city where polo thrives.
Global Airport Activations: Where to Find It
The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition has been activated in global travel retail backed by a number of high-profile activations at international hub airports including London Heathrow, Singapore Changi, Dubai International, Taipei Taoyuan and Brazil São Paulo.
An experiential pop-up at Miami International Airport in partnership with Duty Free Americas sees Royal Salute brand ambassadors on hand to guide passengers through tasting sessions, alongside a polo mini-game and a photo experience featuring the new expression’s iconic pink branding.
Liya Zhang, VP Marketing for Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail, commented: “We relish this opportunity to introduce travellers to an exquisite new facet of the multi-dimensional Royal Salute brand. The masters of exceptionally aged whisky have successfully created a must-have innovation for all whisky lovers, which we are eager to activate on a global scale.”
Royal Salute Miami Polo Edition — Key Details
| Specification | Detail | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Expression | 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition | Edition 6 |
| Type | Blended Scotch Whisky | Chivas Brothers |
| ABV | 40% | 80 Proof |
| Volume | 700 ml | — |
| Maturation | Minimum 21 Years | Speyside tradition |
| Cask Finish | First-fill Bourbon + First-fill Rye | Brand First |
| Master Blender | Sandy Hyslop | — |
| Bottle Design | Pink Art Deco Ceramic Flagon | Collector’s Item |
| SRP | ~$190 USD / ~£150 GBP | Duty-free available |
| Availability | Global Travel Retail + Specialists | Limited |
| Polo Ambassador | Malcolm Borwick | England Polo Captain |
The Final Word
The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition is not simply another limited release in a crowded luxury spirits market. It is a genuine blending landmark — the first Royal Salute expression finished in all-American oak — and a masterclass in translating place and culture into a glass.
- A genuine blending first — the all-American first-fill bourbon and rye cask finish gives this expression a brighter, more tropical character than any previous Polo Collection release.
- Incredibly smooth and accessible at 40% ABV. An ideal entry point for new luxury Scotch drinkers while delivering enough layered complexity for seasoned connoisseurs.
- The pink Art Deco ceramic flagon is one of the most visually distinctive whisky vessels in global travel retail — a true collector’s object that outlasts the liquid inside it.
- Simultaneously activated at six of the world’s busiest luxury travel hubs — a rare global travel retail launch backed by experiential pop-ups and hosted tasting events.
- At around $190 USD, priced accessibly within the Royal Salute portfolio — significantly below the core 21-year-old expression and positioned as a premium gifting purchase.
- Best enjoyed neat or over a single large ice cube. Pairs naturally with white chocolate, tropical fruits, or a fine cigar to echo the Miami spirit that inspired it.
