Whisky Review/Tasting: Chivas 18 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The Chivas Regal 18 Years Old is a blended Scotch whisky, indicating its Scottish origin.
Type: It is a premium blend, consisting of malt whiskies from different distilleries and grain whiskies from industrial production.
Distillation & Maturation: The whisky is matured for at least 18 years, with both malt and grain components meeting this age statement. The blend includes lead malts from Strathisla, one of the host's favorite distilleries.
Age Statement: 18 years.
Color & Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the packaging and presentation suggest a rich, opulent whisky.
Bottle Design: The bottle is similar in shape to the 12-year-old version but has a much thicker bottom, making it heavier and implying value. It features a blue label with Colin Scott's gold signature, the Chivas Brothers' lion symbol, and an old engraving of 1801.

Balance of Flavors: The Chivas 18 offers a complex and rich flavor profile with a velvety palate and an extremely long, warm finish.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its multi-layered aromas of buttery toffee, dark chocolate, and dried fruits, with hints of spices and smoke. The presence of fresh casks contributes to the caramel toffee aromas, while old oak, especially European oak, delivers tannins with a chocolate character. Ex-sherry casks contribute to the dried fruit notes.
Comparison: It is described as significantly better and more complex than the Chivas 12 Years Old, with a richer and more intense flavor profile.

Anecdotes: The host shares a personal preference for Strathisla distillery malts, which are a key component of the blend. Colin Scott, the master blender, hand-selects the casks for this special blend, and his initials appear on every bottle as a mark of quality and craftsmanship.

Historical Context: Chivas Brothers has a history of over 100 years in whisky blending and owns a remarkable wealth of whisky stocks. The Chivas Regal Gold Signature blend is a testament to their legacy, selecting only a few of the richest casks from thousands maturing in the Scotch hills.

Opinions: The host, Horst Luening, praises the Chivas 18 for its complexity, richness, and balance of flavors, considering it a valuable gift and a well-made blend. He notes a slight preference for malt whisky casks over grain due to the dominance of tannins in grain casks.
Quotes: "This is so much better than the 12 year old. More than double as good."

Chivas Regal 18 Years Old is a premium blended Scotch whisky with a rich and complex flavor profile.
Matured for at least 18 years, including both malt and grain whiskies.
Features multi-layered aromas of buttery toffee, dark chocolate, and dried fruits, with hints of spices and smoke.
The blend is enhanced by the inclusion of Strathisla malt whiskies, contributing to its intensity and character.
Presented in a heavy bottle with a blue label and gold signature, symbolizing quality and craftsmanship.
Highly praised by the host for its richness, complexity, and value as a gift.

Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a deep appreciation for complex, richly flavored blends will find the Chivas 18 Years Old particularly enjoyable.
Gift Seekers: Individuals looking for a prestigious and valuable whisky to present as a gift during the holiday season or special occasions.
Comparative Tasters: Fans of the Chivas range, especially those familiar with the 12 Years Old, will appreciate the significant step up in quality and complexity offered by the 18 Years Old.