Chivas Royal Salute LXX

A rare, vintage iteration of the seminal 21-year-old blend, presented in the coveted 1980s Black Wade ceramic flagon.

At-a-Glance

Historical Context

The esteemed Royal Salute brand was inaugurated by Chivas Brothers in 1953, established specifically to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.¹ The age statement of 21 years was intentionally selected to symbolically correspond with the 21-gun salute. The blend's rich, consistent character is historically attributed to the incorporation of high-quality, often sherry-influenced Speyside malt, principally derived from the Strathisla distillery.

The Royal Salute LXX expression signifies a specific vintage bottling run. Records indicate that the component whiskies were predominantly distilled throughout the 1970s, with the subsequent blending and packaging occurring during the 1980s. This dating places the LXX within the period of Scotland’s substantial whisky inventory surplus. This abundance of mature stock meant that blending houses frequently included malts significantly older than the requisite 21 years, strongly contributing to the enduring appeal and increased value of this specific vintage Black Flagon.

The Black Flagon, specifically marked with the "LXX" designation, denotes a particular, limited edition release, manufactured by Wade Ceramics, guaranteeing both aesthetic luxury and optimal protection for the aged spirit.

Technical Specification & Variant Map

The LXX Black Flagon is documented universally as 70cl (700ml) and bottled at 40% ABV. In the context of older international commerce, non-LXX variants of the 21 Year Old were sometimes distributed in 75cl volumes, reflecting packaging variations common in pre-metric or older export markets. The liquid contained within these vintage flagons is reputed to contain a high proportion of whiskies matured for longer than the statutory 21 years.

Documented variants

The LXX Black Flagon is the defining format. Non-LXX variants often varied in volume.

Variant Matrix

Packaging & authenticity checklist

The ceramic decanter construction requires specialized inspection. Primary authentication requires verification of the Wade Ceramics hallmark on the base of the flagon, alongside the unique bottle identifier imprinted on the reverse side of the decanter.

A critical consideration for ceramic decanters of this age is the obscured liquid level. Buyers cannot visually inspect the ullage, making the condition of the closure paramount. The risk of cork degradation over several decades of storage must be assumed. Collectors must differentiate this vintage LXX release from modern Royal Salute variants that also use a black flagon.

Regulatory/terminology notes

The Royal Salute LXX is certified as a Blended Scotch Whisky with a minimum age of 21 years.4 The standard bottling strength of 40% ABV is commonplace for luxury Scotch blends distributed worldwide. Given this strength, the liquid is invariably subjected to chill-filtration.

Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)

The flavour experience of this blend aligns closely with the long-established, highly regarded profile of the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blend, defined by its intricate balance of fruit, sherry influence, vanilla, and restrained smoke.

Nose: The aroma is potent and fruit-forward, presenting immediate notes of sweet pears and various citrus fruits, perfectly harmonised with the rich fragrance of summer and autumn florals.5 Underlying these primary notes are elegant characteristics of sweet vanilla, a dry oak influence, and subtle accents derived from sherry maturation and a delicate whisp of smoke.6

Palate: The mouthfeel is exceptionally smooth and sumptuous. Initial tasting reveals lush, sweet orange marmalade flavours fused with fresh pear flavours. The intensity of this fruit is quickly followed by a rich medley of spices, a nutty presence of hazelnuts, and honey, concluding with a light smoky suggestion.

Finish: The conclusion is described as long-lasting, starting sweet and fruity before transitioning to a drier, slightly spicy character. Lingering oak notes and persistent fruitiness define the extended farewell.

With water: Critical tasting commentary suggests that introducing a minimal drop of water can effectively "open it up beautifully," enhancing the complex spice structure and lifting the fruit layers.

Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)

The Original RRP (GBP) is not stated by the producer. Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): GBP 495.00 (Estimated retail price based on parallel currency listing). Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): GBP 110.00 (Historical low) – GBP 180.00 (High result).

Price Snapshot

Pricing stratification: The valuation is primarily determined by the vintage nature of the LXX mark and the aesthetic rarity of the Black Flagon design. This specific bottling commands hammer prices significantly higher—often two to three times the average—than those achieved by standard modern 21 Year Old expressions.

Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is consistently moderate. The LXX variant moves quickly when presented at specialist auctions, appealing strongly to both vintage Scotch drinkers and decanter collectors.

Distillery/Bottler Snapshot

Chivas Brothers maintains extensive, highly aged whisky reserves, which are essential for guaranteeing the quality of the Royal Salute blend. The primary malt component originates from Strathisla Distillery, which provides the critical foundation of the blend's rich, smooth, and full-bodied flavour profile.

Sourcing

Target formats/eras to prefer: Acquire the 70cl LXX Black Flagon bottling, verified as the 1980s era bottling, ensuring the Wade hallmark is present.

Red flags to avoid: Decanters displaying exterior damage that could compromise cork integrity. Confusion with modern black flagons (e.g., Peated Blend) or standard non-LXX jewel-tone releases.

Condition thresholds (fill/box/labels): Pristine exterior condition of the decanter and the outer presentation box is mandatory for premium valuation. Seal integrity must be guaranteed given the ceramic opacity.

Margin/velocity expectations — qualitative: Moderate velocity; margins are strong when sourcing below the established GBP 140 auction floor for excellent condition items.