A crystal-clear scotch whisky might sound like a contradiction, but Chivas Regal has spent years developing exactly that. The luxury whisky brand announced today the launch of Chivas Regal Crystalgold, its first colorless spirit drink that maintains the flavor profile of traditional aged whisky.
The product represents a significant technical achievement for the Pernod Ricard-owned brand. Through a proprietary filtration process, Chivas Brothers has managed to extract color from oak-aged spirit while preserving its taste characteristics.
The clear liquid aims to compete in the growing early-evening drinking market, typically dominated by vodka and tequila.
Charles Leclerc Partners With Chivas Regal Crystalgold Launch
Formula One driver Charles Leclerc will lead the global marketing campaign as brand ambassador. The Ferrari driver has also collaborated with Chivas Regal to create the “Chivas Regal Crystalgold Spritz,” featuring elderflower cordial, lime juice, and champagne alongside the new spirit.
The product made its official debut on September 30th, ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. This timing aligns with Leclerc’s racing schedule and targets the luxury spirits market in Asia.
Master Blender Sandy Hyslop described the development process as pushing creative boundaries. “With Chivas Regal Crystalgold, we set out to achieve something we had never done before – to create a clear spirit that nodded to the elevated signature taste and quality the brand is known for, and preserve all those complex flavours,” Hyslop said.
Chivas Regal Crystalgold Targets New Drinking Occasions
The innovation required precise calibration of temperature conditions and flow rates through extensive experimentation. This technical process allows the spirit to maintain what the company describes as its signature depth while offering the visual appeal and mixability of clear spirits.
Official tasting notes describe aromas of apple pie, vanilla fudge, and butterscotch with orange zest hints. The taste profile includes sweet red apples and juicy pears with cinnamon and ginger notes, finishing with what testers call “exceptional smoothness.”
The clear appearance opens possibilities for cocktail creation that traditional dark whiskies cannot achieve. Bartenders can now craft visually striking drinks while incorporating whisky’s complex flavor profile into clear cocktails.
Chivas Regal Crystalgold will retail at £51. Initial availability will include Amazon and select retailers, with wider distribution expected to follow.
The launch represents a strategic move for Chivas Brothers to capture market share in occasions traditionally dominated by clear spirits. By removing color while maintaining flavor, the company aims to attract consumers who might not typically choose whisky for lighter, refreshing drinks.
This development follows industry trends toward innovation in traditional categories, as heritage brands seek relevance with changing consumer preferences. The success of Chivas Regal Crystalgold could influence other whisky producers to explore similar technical innovations.
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