INSIGHTS
From Highland Roots to High-Yield Returns: Rare Whisky Shines As Alternative Investment
by Aaron De Silva
29 May 2025
29 May 2025
Why rare whisky is being dubbed the new liquid gold – and how Royal Salute is leading the charge with its high-aged blends, cultural cachet, and a noble ambassador who knows a thing or two about timeless value.
Once regarded as a gentleman’s indulgence, rare whisky has evolved into a high-performing asset class, with collectors and investors alike drawn to its complexity, scarcity, and sheer elegance. According to reports like the annual Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index, rare whisky has outpaced many traditional investment categories in recent years, earning the poetic moniker “liquid gold”. And few names command more respect in this rarefied realm than Royal Salute.
- THE DUKE OF ARGYLL: A NOBLE ADVOCATE FOR SCOTCH
- LIMITED EDITIONS AND CULTURAL CACHET
- FROM MUDDY BOOTS TO ROYAL DUTIES
- A GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF WHISKY LOVERS
- WHISKY, WASABI AND A TOUCH OF COCOA
- ROYAL SALUTE AT HOME AND ABROAD
You can thank Torquhil Ian Campbell for much of this transformation. The 13th Duke of Argyll is a man who wears many hats with regal poise: Chief of Clan Campbell, Patron of the Keepers of the Quaich, and since 2007, global ambassador for Royal Salute.
A passionate advocate for the craftsmanship of Scotch whisky, the Duke has been instrumental in sharing the Royal Salute story with connoisseurs and collectors around the world, including Singapore.
“The steadfast interest in rare whisky as an investment stems from the pure joy of ownership,” the Duke reflects. “The further you dig into the sheer craftsmanship that is captured within every drop, the more you appreciate it and value it as ‘liquid gold’. It becomes an investment of passion.”
That passion is not only felt – it’s fueling a market revolution. High-aged, limited-edition blends like those in the Royal Salute portfolio are in increasing demand, benefiting from collectors’ desire for authenticity, heritage, and exclusivity.
For Royal Salute, which begins its story at 21 years of age and builds up to expressions aged for decades, rarity is inherent. The brand has leaned into this appetite for prestige by crafting limited editions inspired by everything from royal events to high fashion and contemporary art.
- THE DUKE OF ARGYLL: A NOBLE ADVOCATE FOR SCOTCH
- LIMITED EDITIONS AND CULTURAL CACHET
- FROM MUDDY BOOTS TO ROYAL DUTIES
- A GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF WHISKY LOVERS
- WHISKY, WASABI AND A TOUCH OF COCOA
- ROYAL SALUTE AT HOME AND ABROAD
Limited Editions and Cultural Cachet
“Limited edition whiskies often come with a ready-made mark of rarity and potential to grow in value,” says the Duke. “Royal Salute has been converging luxury and innovation to create expressions that resonate with both collectors and appreciators of culture.”
Among these is the 62 Gun Salute Collection, a trio of rare blends presented in ornate flagons, and the Art of Wonder series, where the whisky is paired with bespoke artwork. It’s a strategy that appeals to a new generation of luxury buyers – those who seek not just fine spirits, but experiences, stories, and cultural capital. Elements with which to regale guests at dinner parties.
Royal Salute has also ventured into fashion collaborations with British designers such as Richard Quinn and Harris Reed to craft limited-edition flagons for its Fashion Collection, further establishing its position at the intersection of luxury and creativity. These expressions are not merely beverages – they are objets d’art, curated for those with refined tastes and a collector’s eye.
(Related: Rethinking Investments - Second chance at greatness)
- THE DUKE OF ARGYLL: A NOBLE ADVOCATE FOR SCOTCH
- LIMITED EDITIONS AND CULTURAL CACHET
- FROM MUDDY BOOTS TO ROYAL DUTIES
- A GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF WHISKY LOVERS
- WHISKY, WASABI AND A TOUCH OF COCOA
- ROYAL SALUTE AT HOME AND ABROAD
From Muddy Boots to Royal Duties
And yet, for all his association with opulence and legacy, the Duke remains refreshingly grounded.
Born and raised in the wild beauty of rural Scotland, his childhood at the historic Inveraray Castle was more about muddy boots and mischievous adventures than ceremonial titles. “The pressures of the title never influenced my childhood,” he recalls fondly. “It was full of dogs, fishing, bicycles, sport, and just enjoying being a naughty child.”
Today, he balances centuries-old traditions with the demands of modern life. As the 13th Duke and custodian of Inveraray Castle, he oversees its preservation through tourism, forestry, and renewable resources – all while continuing to champion whisky on the world stage. “My role is to ensure that our core values – loyalty, courage, and community – remain vibrant in the 21st century.”
- THE DUKE OF ARGYLL: A NOBLE ADVOCATE FOR SCOTCH
- LIMITED EDITIONS AND CULTURAL CACHET
- FROM MUDDY BOOTS TO ROYAL DUTIES
- A GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF WHISKY LOVERS
- WHISKY, WASABI AND A TOUCH OF COCOA
- ROYAL SALUTE AT HOME AND ABROAD
A Global Community of Whisky Lovers
That same ethos informs his work as Patron of the Keepers of the Quaich, where he gathers with fellow whisky aficionados to share insights and celebrate Scotch’s storied legacy. “It provides a brilliant environment to really get into the depths of the values that Royal Salute embodies – heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation,” he says.
Education and dialogue are central to the Duke’s role as an ambassador. “If I take something interesting learned from a Keepers’ meeting, I can feed that insight back to the (Royal Salute) teams. Ultimately, I aim to inspire a deeper appreciation for this exceptional Scotch whisky and connect with people worldwide through our shared passion.”
(Related: Rethinking Investments - From fringe to foundation)
- THE DUKE OF ARGYLL: A NOBLE ADVOCATE FOR SCOTCH
- LIMITED EDITIONS AND CULTURAL CACHET
- FROM MUDDY BOOTS TO ROYAL DUTIES
- A GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF WHISKY LOVERS
- WHISKY, WASABI AND A TOUCH OF COCOA
- ROYAL SALUTE AT HOME AND ABROAD
Whisky, Wasabi and a Touch of Cocoa
Off-duty, the Duke is an ardent foodie, often pairing Royal Salute with fine dishes from around the world. Having spent significant time in Asia, he’s developed a particular fondness for pairing whisky with Japanese cuisine.
“The subtle spice notes often found in dishes from Japan can beautifully complement the rich, fruity character of many Royal Salute expressions,” he says.
His marriage to Eleanor Cadbury – of the famed British chocolate dynasty – has honed his appreciation for pairing drams with the dark stuff. Many years ago, he collaborated with a French chocolatier to produce custom chocolates for a Royal Salute tasting – an experience he describes as “wonderful”.
He’s also experimented with humbler chocolate pairings, though he cheekily adds that a bar of Cadbury Dairy Milk doesn’t quite cut it. “You need a richer and darker chocolate to enhance the flavours.”
(Related: The Glen Grant unveils an exquisite 65-year-old single malt scotch whisky)
- THE DUKE OF ARGYLL: A NOBLE ADVOCATE FOR SCOTCH
- LIMITED EDITIONS AND CULTURAL CACHET
- FROM MUDDY BOOTS TO ROYAL DUTIES
- A GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF WHISKY LOVERS
- WHISKY, WASABI AND A TOUCH OF COCOA
- ROYAL SALUTE AT HOME AND ABROAD
Royal Salute at Home and Abroad
While the Duke has shared Royal Salute with kings, queens, maharajas, and celebrities, he remains most loyal to the brand’s iconic 21-Year-Old Signature Blend.
“It’s such a powerful whisky that never disappoints, that it can suit any manner of occasion – from intimate moments with loved ones through to larger celebratory gatherings,” he says. “It’s what I offer my friends at home, and it never disappoints.”
As rare whisky continues to cement its place in the passion investment landscape, Royal Salute stands as a beacon of artistry, heritage, and value. And with ambassadors like the Duke of Argyll leading the charge, its future looks not only secure – but resplendent.
“Ultimately, rare whisky investment is a long-term strategy,” he notes. “But more than anything, it’s about passion – understanding the nuances, the history, and the soul of what’s in the bottle.”
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