Whisky Focus - Chivas Regal 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill American Oak Finish

Introducing Chivas Regal 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill American Oak Finish, the first in a series of three new whiskies.

Chivas Regal today announced the launch of the Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection, a limited edition travel retail exclusive series that reinterprets the brand’s celebrated Chivas 18 expression. The first release of three whiskies in the series is the Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill American Oak Finish which will be available from this month.

Each limited edition in the new Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection will be finished in varying types of casks to magnify a selection of the flavour notes of the original Chivas 18 that we are already familiar with. As you may have already figured out from its name, Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill American Oak Finish, the first release in the series, has been finished in first fill American Oak casks, which Chivas tells me has given the expression more indulgent vanilla and caramel notes with a deep golden hue but still preserving all the essence of its rich taste. I am pleased to add that the Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill American Oak Finish is non-chill filtered.

Inline with the premium nature of the new whisky, it is presented in as you would expect in premium packaging, textured in deep, dark Chivas 18 blue and embossed with Chivas design motifs. A golden ribbon adorns the front of the box, embossed with the respective name of each expression in the Ultimate Cask Collection series.

Colin Scott, Chivas Regal Master Blender, comments, "For the first edition of the Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection we wanted to create a unique blend that accentuates the most iconic notes of Chivas Regal 18 Year Old, through a special finish in hand-selected First Fill American Oak casks. Designed for the sophisticated palate, the whisky provides a truly balanced taste and a velvet smooth finish."

Richard Black, Chivas Regal Global Brand Director, comments: “The Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill American Oak Finish presents an exciting opportunity for ultra-premium whisky drinkers to explore further tasting experiences from an iconic and well-loved brand. The collection taps into the increasing demand from travellers looking for unique products that can be offered as a luxury gift or shared back home during special moments and will be an exclusive addition to retail channels in airports around the world.”

The Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection I am pleased to say comes in a 1 litre bottle, bottled at 48% ABV, non-chill filtered and will be exclusively available in global travel retail from this month at a RRP of £84/$126 USD. The first launch will be followed by two further expressions, to be released every 18 months.

If you have no plans to travel in the near future you will find the current Chivas Regal range available from specialist Whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange.
 

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