Over 300 local, national and global VIP guests attended the official opening of fall season at the Greenwich Polo Club over Labor Day Weekend. They watched international polo star Nacho Figueras captain the Harry Winston Polo team to a 11-10 victory over the Heathcote Polo Team at the USPA Royal Salute Jubilee Club.
The sporting event, hosted by His Grace the Duke of Argyll and Greenwich Polo Club owner Peter Brant, drew the biggest crowd of the year as flocks of chic onlookers cheered from the Royal Salute VIP boxes in the grandstand of the Greenwich Polo Club.
His Grace the Duke of Argyll presented the winning team with the inaugural Royal Salute Jubilee Cup, a sterling silver and gilt whiskey tumbler designed by British luxury label Asprey. Following the thrilling match, players and guests alike cheered to the sportsmanship and the season with a toast of Royal Salute 21 Year Old Whisky. That evening, the Duke hosted a special VIP dinner at L'Escale Restaurant where we also had a chance to catch up with the Duke himself in an exclusive interview.
JustLuxe: Tell us more about how you are involved with Royal Salute.
His Grace the Duke of Argyll: I am a keen and knowledgeable supporter of the Scotch whisky industry. I have been a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers since 2005 and a Patron of the Keepers of the Quaich since 2008, an exclusive and internationally recognized society at the heart of the Scotch whisky industry. On distinguished occasions, such as the inaugural Royal Salute Jubilee Cup at Greenwich Polo Club, I attend to represent Royal Salute in my capacity as the Duke of Argyll.
JL: What sets Royal Salute apart from other scotch whiskeys?
Duke of Argyll: Royal Salute is the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky and was created in 1953 to mark the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which is part of the brand's identity. The distinctive taste of Royal Salute 21 Year Old is the result of masterful blending and perfect aging. The deep gold color of the whisky reflects the power and richness of the flavors.
Another point to note is that as the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky, Royal Salute starts where others end, as only the most precious Scotch whiskies aged for a minimum of 21 years are used to create its powerful and sophisticated blend. The Royal Salute range includes Royal Salute 21 Year Old, Royal Salute Hundred Cask Selection, Royal Salute 38 Year Old Stone of Destiny, and Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute—the oldest permanent whisky expression in the world with whiskies aged for a minimum of 40 years.
JL: What was the best part of this trip for you?
Duke of Argyll:
I always enjoy American hospitality—it was a great pleasure to be a part of this luxurious polo event at Peter Brant's famous Greenwich Polo Club. High goal polo is always a pleasure to watch and the Royal Salute Jubilee Cup at 20 goal was brilliant! The very, very close finish kept everyone on the edge of their seats to the dying seconds of the match.
JL: What other travel do you have planned for the fall, either for yourself or on behalf of Royal Salute?
Duke of Argyll: This is a busy time of year at Inverary Castle and the estate with Autumn and Winter planning and my children are going back to school! I will be traveling again for business and pleasure in the next 3-6 months and look forward to my next trip to the U.S.
