Chivas Regal’s 13 Years Old whisky is part of a series that sees the brand take the classic Chivas Regal blend and additionally age in diverse styles of oak casks. A portion of this particular expression has been finished in ex-Tequila barrels. The classic Chivas Regal is aged 12 years old. Other whiskies in this cask selection range are sherry cask finished and bourbon cask finished.
The whisky blending company Chivas Brothers was set up in the early 1800s by James and John Chivas from a base in Aberdeen. Like many other famous whisky brands, they began as a grocery store. They blended tea, coffee, spices and spirits – brandy, rum, Port and whisky. Blending whiskies would have began with those sourced from the local area. That is the eastern Highlands, including Speyside, with a multitude of distilleries to choose from.
Chivas Brothers’ whiskies became so popular in late Victorian times that Queen Victoria issued them with a Royal Warrant and they supplied the Royal household for a period of time, hence the name of Chivas Regal was born. Aberdeen was not too far from Balmoral Castle where the Royals traditionally take their summer holidays.
Chivas Brothers and the Chivas Regal brand is currently owned by drinks company Pernod Ricard, who purchased it in 2001. They have helped to grow the stature and sales of the whisky around the world. Chivas Regal is one of the biggest selling blended whiskies in the world, behind only Johnnie Walker and Ballantine’s (which is also owned by Pernod Ricard).
The single malt at the heart of the Chivas Regal blends is produced at Strathisla in the Speyside region of Scotland. Strathisla is the oldest distillery in the north of Scotland and it started out life as a farm distillery. As a result the Strathisla distillery is now known as the home of Chivas Regal. You can visit throughout the year and explore the distillery process on a tour as well as tasting the Chivas Regal range.
Chivas Regal Extra 13 Years Old Tequila Cask Selection is bottled at 40% ABV. It is widely available from grocers, supermarkets, spirits specialists and Amazon for £35-45.
Our Tasting Notes
This Chivas Regal whisky is a golden colour. On the nose to start there is vanilla toffee and golden syrup. Further aromas of rich orange and lemon citrus zest, plus a more unusual grapefruit zest note also come through.
On the palate this whisky is very soft, sweet and luscious. It is rich with notes of juicy sultana and a tropical character like barbecued pineapple with loads of caramelisation. There is vanilla fudge, toffee and golden syrup sweetness. The citrus is more confected now, and less zesty, on the palate than it was on the nose – like candied grapefruit and orange. Rounding the palate out is a hint of warm spiciness that does remind us of a good Tequila. It is roasted, earthy and slightly peppery. But not in a bold way – rather an underlying hint of spicy heat.
What’s The Verdict?
It is interesting to see bigger brands experimenting with different cask types such as this Tequila finish. It is rather a delightful whisky. The classic Chivas Regal 12 Years Old is a well-rounded and balanced whisky, which explains why it is so popular around the world. This Extra version adds a dimension of spiciness that is notable but not overwhelming. It is remarkably well blended.
Below is a video review of Chivas Regal Extra 13 Years Old Tequila Cask Selection from our Allotment Dram series. To watch other such videos or subscribe to our YouTube channel – click here.
