Chivas Regal has announced that it is introducing Chivas Regal Extra, a new expression to its portfolio. Australia will be the first country in the world to launch the first new expression produced outside the travel retail channel in almost ten years.
Chivas Regal Extra has an ABV of 40% and sits in the premium blends range between Chivas Regal 12 Year Old and Chivas Regal 18 Year Old. The whisky bears no age statement and is made from a select blend of whiskies matured in a higher proportion of sherry casks.
The media release states that Chivas Regal Extra has the signature character of Chivas Regal with layers of subtle spice.
“Fruity and sweet on the nose, with aroma of ripe pears and melon, creamy toffee and milk chocolate, balanced with cinnamon and a hint of ginger. The resulting taste is an alluring combination of sweet ripe pears in syrup and vanilla caramel, well balanced with the subtle warmth of cinnamon sweets and almonds in the background.”
Chivas Regal Extra Tasting Notes
Chivas Regal Extra is a little darker in colour, with a deeper amber hue. In the glass, it displays marked viscosity and long legs compare to the 18 YO.
On the nose, the sherry notes are immediately evident. Orchard fruit leads the way to dried fruit in particular dried apricots and pears with a hint of spice, mainly cinnamon and ginger. Viscous on the palate, the Christmas cake character comes though along with almonds, vanilla and some caramel. The finish is dry, medium to long with a soft chewy moutfeel and dark chocolate on the back palate.
Chivas Regal Extra bridges the gap between Chivas 12 YO and 18YO nicely and the price point of RRP $73 AUD makes it quite accessible. While the whisky exhibits some vibrancy and youth in character compared to its older sibling, it is very approachable to a whisky novice and makes for very pleasant dramming for the more seasoned drinker.
This article was originally published on September 3, 2014 on our sister website Gourmantic.
