Royal Salute has released its 21 Year Old Desert Jewel Polo Edition, the eighth chapter in its Polo Collection and a blend fully finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. The collection takes Royal Salute to the great polo destinations of the world; this release heads to the Middle East, where Dubai and Abu Dhabi have become two of the sport’s most exciting places to play, set among desert dunes and some of the most ambitious skylines on the planet.
Created by Master Blender Emeritus Sandy Hyslop, who chose to finish it in PX casks. Pedro Ximénez is the richest and sweetest of the sherry styles, made from grapes left to dry in the Andalusian sun until they are almost raisins before pressing. The casks it leaves behind push whisky towards dark fruit, dried dates and warm spice, echoing the spices and aromatic cooking of the region. Royal Salute’s whole range starts at 21 years old, the age where most blends top out, and a heavy sherry finish suits that kind of maturity. Older whisky has the depth to easily carry a cask as bold as PX.
Sandy Hyslop, Master Blender Emeritus at Royal Salute, comments: “For the eighth edition of our Polo Collection, I wanted to create a blend as captivating and multi-layered as the desert cities that inspired it. Fully finishing this 21 year old whisky in Pedro Ximénez Sherry Casks was like uncovering a hidden jewel – the casks impart a bold, richly spiced character, making every sip a journey from the bustle of the souks to the shimmer of the skyline. This is a fitting tribute to a region as timeless as it is bold, and a blend I’m immensely proud to unveil.“
On the nose, you can expect sweet cranberries, glazed cherries and stewed apples, followed by cinnamon buns, almond praline and a lift of freshly grated nutmeg and cardamom. The palate moves from mango slices and blood orange to sticky dates, treacle tart and marzipan, with orange zest before warming ginger, pink peppercorn and sweet oak spice, leading to a rich, velvety finish where the ginger lingers.
The whisky comes in a beautiful study turquoise flagon, the colour a nod to the waters around the two cities, and is presented in a gift box illustrated with desert landscapes, busy souks and the towers of the Gulf skyline.
Royal Salute 21 Year Old Desert Jewel Polo Edition made its debut in Taiwan on the 20th of October 2026 and is rolling out to specialist retailers worldwide in limited quantities, with an RRP from $190. Find out more at Royal Salute.
