Irish finish to Scotch whisky
Scotch whisky producers have already accustomed us to the fact that in the field of so-called "finishing" whisky, we can expect practically anything from them. We've had whiskies additionally matured in casks of calvados, rum, various beers, cognac, armagnac, tequila, mezcal, and even Scotch whiskies finished in casks of another Scotch whisky. However, there doesn't seem to have been a case so far where Scotch whisky has undergone additional maturation in Irish whiskey barrels. So far.
Conglomerate Pernod Ricard, owner of the Chivas Regal brand, has just announced the imminent release of a new whisky from the Chivas Regal portfolio. It will be a blended Scotch whisky, which has undergone just such a procedure.
Chivas Regal Extra 13yo Whiskey Cask Selection (40% vol.) is a blended whiskey that has been "selectively" finished in Irish whiskey casks. The Pernod Ricard materials do not say what part of this whisky underwent this finish, nor how long it lasted.
According to the manufacturer, Chivas Regal Extra 13yo Whiskey Cask Selection offers in its aroma delicate notes of spices, red apples and creamy soda, and in the taste we can expect additional accents of crystallized honey.
The new whisky enters is the fifth in the Chivas Regal Extra 13 Collection series. Previously released editions finished in American rye whiskey, rum, tequila, sherry oloroso and bourbon barrels. The thirteen in the name is, of course, the age of the youngest ingredient in the coupage, but also a reference to the address in Aberdeen where brothers John and James Chivas once conducted their first experiments with whisky blending. Chivas Brothers, importers of rum, exotic spices and other luxury foodstuffs, had its headquarters at 13 King Street.
Chivas Regal 13yo Whiskey Cask Selection will be available exclusively in travel retail stores, but it cannot be ruled out that it will also appear in the House of Whisky Online. We invite you to learn more about a wide selection of Chivas Regal whiskies, available with us. There you will find both standard, basic editions, as well as more exquisite and collectible works by the brand's master buyers.
[04.07.2023 / Photo: Chivas Brothers]