A pleasant and orange zest smell first hits your nose—as you try to take the first sip. The scent of vanilla, gingerbread, toffee, soft spices, and generous cereals comes crawling after. The aroma of the Chivas Royal Salute is quite mild for a blended scotch that includes “no whisky for people under 21 years.\"

The taste of this whisky ties with the nose almost instantly. It hits your palate with a smooth approach before it shifts towards a burnt caramel feel with a little tar. A prickling slightly peppery oak taste clings to your tongue at the second sip. At this time, your mouth will be zinging with exotic spices and tarragon.

The Chivas Royal Salute is remarkably long for a soft whisky—with a minor oak bitterness, soured wood, mint chocolate, sweet grains, tobacco, and fruity berries finish. The after taste has marzipan and un-roasted peanut flavour you can almost chew. This whisky is so soft that you don’t need water.