Chivas Regal
Chivas Regal is a name associated with royalty and luxury. From its humble beginnings in the Scottish countryside, Chivas continues its journey to be the No.1 in premium Scotch whiskies, evolving to meet modern tastes while still retaining its signature style and traditional heritage.
The history of Chivas Regal
Chivas Regal was founded by brothers John and James Chivas, who left their humble farmhouse in the Scottish countryside to find greener pastures in Aberdeen. When James was employed at an emporium, he was exposed to the wonders of whisky. Eventually, John joined him, and the two took over the emporium, giving birth to the Chivas Company.
From the cellar beneath the emporium, the brothers began a tradition of ageing whiskies. As their clientele started demanding a smoother, richer whisky experience, the brothers answered by blending together these aged Scotches. These simple, early experiments would solidify their position as true pioneers in the art of blending.
Over time, the Chivas became associated with fine luxury products. James Chivas even received his first Royal Warrant in 1843, serving Queen Victoria at her Balmoral countryside retreat. This Royal approval ensured that the Chivas Brothers had the perfect foundation to realise their ambition.
Fast forward to 1909, Master Blender Charles Howard and Alexander Smith created the 25-Year-Old blend, the world’s first luxury whisky. Thus, the Chivas Regal burst onto the world stage, solidifying its position as a brand name in luxury alcohol.
Is Chivas Regal a Scotch or whisky?
Chivas Regal is a Scotch whisky; this means it is made in Scotland and aged for at least three years in oak barrels that have been used before.
Is Chivas Regal whiskey or cognac?
Chivas Regal is a whisky, not a cognac. However, the Chivas XV has been selectively matured in cognac casks to enhance the whisky’s already delicious flavour.
Is Chivas single malt or blended?
Chivas Regal is a blended Scotch whisky; this means it is a mix of malt and grain Scotches distilled at multiple distilleries.
Read more about Scotch in our Guide to Scotch Whisky: What is it?
What makes Chivas so special?
Chivas Regal stands out as the world’s first luxury whisky. Central to the ethos of the Chivas blend is ‘maintaining exceptional’; the brand only uses the finest ingredients and the most high-quality oak casks to ensure that each bottle contains that signature Chivas flavour.
Chivas Regal labels
Here are some of the luxurious Chivas blends available:
- Chivas Regal 12-Year-Old: This rich, smooth blend balances style with substance and tradition with a modern twist.
- Chivas Regal Extra 13-Year-Old: This blend is matured in Oloroso Sherry Casks, releasing full-bodied and, above all, wonderfully rich notes that lead to a true taste experience.
- Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old: Compared to its younger counterparts, this mature blend has a considerably stronger spicy bite on the tongue and with more intense, earthy, musty notes.
- Chivas Regal 25-Year-Old: The first and original luxury whisky; since its release in 1909, the 25-Year-Old continues to be appreciated as one of the best examples of Scotch available.
- Chivas Regal XV: This blend is selectively finished in the most prized of Grande Champagne Cognac Casks. The resulting whisky has a warm amber glow, bursting with notes of rich sultanas and touches of cinnamon.
- Chivas Regal Extra: The Extra is an exceptionally rich and generous Chivas Regal blend, blending whiskies matured in sherry casks with a selection of our rarest malts.
- Chivas Regal Mizunara Special Edition: Aged in Mizunara oak casks, this blend has a range of gentle aromatic flavours incorporated by the porous wood.
Check out the Chivas Regal Royal Salute lineup for more luxurious selections.
What is the best Chivas Regal?
The Chivas Regal 25-Year-Old is widely regarded as the best blend in the brand’s lineup.
How does Chivas Regal taste?
Each blend of Chivas has a different flavour profile based on its ingredients, maturity and the cask it is aged in.
Tasting Notes
Chivas Regal 12-Year-Old
The bouquet is an aromatic infusion of wild herbs, heather, honey and orchard fruits. The palate is rich and fruity, with ripe, honeyed apples and notes of vanilla, hazelnut and butterscotch. The finish is velvety, soft and lingering.
Chivas Regal Extra 13-Year-Old
Rich aromas of ripe pears, vanilla, and caramel. The palate features flavours of fruit, vanilla, caramel, candy, cinnamon, and almonds. The ends on a long-lasting finish.
Chivas Regal 18-Years-Old
Rich, indulgent and multi-layered aromas with hints of dried fruits, buttery toffee and dark chocolate. The velvety, dark chocolate palate yields elegant floral notes and a wisp of sweet, mellow smokiness. It ends with an extremely warm, long finish.
Chivas Regal 25-Year-Old
Rich golden in the glass, this luxury blend offers alluring fruity aromas of sweet oranges and peaches, followed by delicious notes of marzipan and nuts. On the palate, it presents itself as rich and mild with hints of chocolate, orange, and fondant. The finish is smooth, well-rounded, and lingering.
Chivas Regal XV
The bouquet is rich and sweet with concentrated notes of stewed red apples, homemade orange marmalade, honey, cinnamon and juicy sultanas. The incredibly smooth and fruity palate features flavours of poached pears intermingled with butterscotch and caramel toffees, all rolled up in a wonderful velvety texture. A rounded aftertaste with a touch of vanilla on the finish.
Chivas Regal Extra
This warm amber blend has a fruity, sweet aroma with notes of ripe pears and melon, creamy toffee, milk chocolate, cinnamon and a hint of ginger. The palate is sweet, ripe pears in syrup, vanilla caramel, cinnamon sweets and almonds. It ends on a rich, smooth, long and fulfilling finish.
Chivas Regal Mizunara Special Edition
The bouquet is rich and fruity, presenting aromas of pear and orange. The palate is smooth and rich with honey sweetness and a trace of hazelnut. The finish has a distinctively spicy aftertaste.
What goes well with Chivas?
Here are some excellent food pairings to enhance your Chivas whisky tasting:
- Potato and mozzarella croquettes with Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old
- Tex-Mex chicken wings with Chivas Regal 12-Year-Old
- Cheesy chicken nachos with Chivas Regal XV
- Chicken fajitas with Chivas Regal 25-Year-Old
- Aged cheddar and dark chocolate make for great snack pairings with the Chivas Regal 12-Year-Old
How to drink Chivas Regal?
Try these traditional methods of enjoying your Chivas whisky:
- Neat: Recommended for beginners, this simply involves pouring your Chivas into a glass at room temperature. Sipping it slowly will help you appreciate the subtler flavours.
- On the rocks: For those who prefer a less intense taste experience, consider pouring or stirring your Chivas Scotch over ice. The slowly melting water and chilliness will even enhance certain flavours.
- With a splash of water: Adding a few drops of water to your Chivas Whisky can expand its flavours and aromas, making them more pronounced.
What is the best mix with Chivas?
Create unique cocktails by mixing your Chivas whisky with these mixers:
- Ginger ale
- Soda water
- Tonic water
- Cola
- Cherry cola
- Orange soda
How long does Chivas Regal last once opened?
An opened bottle of Chivas whisky can last for as long as two years or as few as six months or less to drink before it goes bad. While it doesn’t necessarily expire, it does start to lose flavour and elements after it is opened.
How much is Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old in Malaysia?
Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old typically costs around RM477 in Malaysia. However, you can find special offers on Whisky.my enabling you to purchase this luxury blend at discounted prices.
Taste the original luxury of Chivas Regal
Buy a bottle of Chivas Regal from Whisky.my and share the taste of true decadence with your friends or family at your next tasting or celebration. This extensive selection offers the most affordable Chivas Regal price in Malaysia. A single sip of Chivas whisky will make you realise why it became the Scotch of choice for British royalty.