Meet the Master Blender
Discover the inspiration and
blending process behind this
unique whisky.
THREE QUESTIONS WITH SANDY HYSLOP
1. What was your inspiration behind the 21 Year Old Royal Salute Jodhpur Polo Edition blend?
As Royal Salute’s Master Blender, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to numerous destinations, but I consider India to be among the most captivating when it comes to exploring new and exhilarating flavours. The city of Jodhpur is very special, especially at night, with its golden lights. I enjoy visiting the spice markets there, trying and buying exotic flavours to take home and share with my team as we craft rich expressions in the blending room. Coupled with the unique culture of the magical Blue City, the food and exceptional spices really inspired this new edition. The complexity and sophistication of Indian spices cannot be found anywhere else in the world, and one will notice and enjoy the way they inspired this whisky when nosed. With its rich and spicy flavour profile, a sip of the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Jodhpur Polo Edition instantly transports you to the magical and enchanting Blue City of Jodhpur.
2.How did you approach the creative process?
Every Royal Salute expression is meticulously handcrafted in our blending room, where we sample several casks from our extensive high-aged inventory. I’ve been in the industry for forty years now and I never cease to be enthralled by the process of blending an exceptional Scotch whisky. After sampling different combinations, I felt that the weight and the power of a blended malt whisky would work particularly well with a virgin oak cask finish. Finishing the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Jodhpur Polo Edition in virgin oak gave the blend that rich fruity flavour, which is reminiscent of sweet ripe mangoes, complemented perfectly by a gentle, fragrant spice with oak and nutty notes coming from the cask. The creative process transported me straight back to sipping on aromatic Indian Chai while on my travels through the colourful city of Jodhpur.
3. Which dish would you pair with the Jodhpur Polo Edition?
Considering the fruity and spicy flavour profile of the expression, I would personally recommend enjoying the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Jodhpur Polo Edition with a regional curry like a Lehsuni Boti (garlic-infused lamb) or a Macchi (monkfish) Tikka, two of my favourites from my delicious local Indian restaurant in Scotland. The flavours from these dishes complement the warming cinnamon, cloves, and ginger spice of the blend. In the spirit of the inspiration behind the blend, I’d recommend topping off this combination with a delicious and creamy mango lassi – a perfect tribute to the city of Jodhpur!
