The instantly recognisable Chivas Regal have just launched their ‘Ultimate Cask Collection’ series, pushing it to travel retail and teaming up with a renowned experimental Chef to explore the affects of our environment on our Whisky experience. It gives us more than enough reason to re-visit the celebrated expression of Chivas 18, kick starting a close look at the range of ultra-premium Scotch Whiskies that make up this newly launched series, all of which take the classic Chivas 18 and finish it in a variety of first fill wooden casks, with each limited edition bottle released exclusively for Global Travel Retail.
The Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill American Oak Finish is the first in the series, bringing a new perspective on the classic Chivas 18, keeping that same luxurious feel of the storied expression, but giving it a whole new character thanks to the type of cask.
The Chivas 18 famously boasts 85 flavour notes, so there’s a lot to pick apart and accentuate here. The cask seems to have lifted the already strong vanilla, toffee and caramel notes of the Chivas 18, which come across beautifully on the palate with a thick, more well-rounded mouthfeel that’s anticipated by a creamy, fudgey nose that is full of spicy cinnamon, plums, and milk chocolate. On the back palate you may get a bit of sweet, sugary fruits that stays consistent with the long finish.
It’s an indulgent tasting Whisky, one which speaks highly for the Chivas 18 and interprets the classic by toning down the spice and smoothing it out a bit more, and although you will get some spice in there, the focus very much remains on those vanilla, toffee, and caramel notes.
Experimental Chef Jozef Youssef has used the inspiration from the new limited edition release to explore the relationship between setting and sensation, revealing insights into various influences including those of different orchestral instruments and the weight of the glass in which the Whisky is served.
“The surrounding environment and our state of mindfulness has the power to completely augment our perception of taste. By magnifying our senses we shift our cognition which allows us to discover the true depth of a product, and in this case to enjoy Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill American Oak Finish to its fullest potential”, said Youssef.
Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill American Oak Finish is now available in Australia and New Zealand Duty Free at 48%ABV/1 ltr for an RRP of $149. This edition will be followed with two further editions in the collection, to be launched 18 months apart.
———-
