Chivas Debuts A New Blended Scotch Line Focused On The Cask Process

The folks at the Chivas blended Scotch whisky brand are looking to get more in on the trend of using varied cask types during the aging process to influence flavors. This maturation/finishing step for them is said to be “inspired by pioneering whisky blenders and founding brothers James and John Chivas who imported rums, exotic spices, and luxury food items from across the globe to their emporium at 13 King Street, Aberdeen.”

The new Chivas Extra 13 collection, according to those behind it, is a range of four 13 year old whiskies that have been influenced by Oloroso sherry, rum, American rye or tequila barrels. Each additional cask, it is said, that’s “brought into the maturation or finishing process imparts its own unique combination of characteristics onto the Chivas blend, bringing a number of new flavor notes to the spirit for the first time.”

These releases include:

• Chivas Extra 13 Oloroso Sherry Cask: the selective Oloroso Sherry cask maturation delivers a richer finish, with hints of sweet ripe pears in syrup, vanilla caramel, cinnamon sweets and almonds.
• Chivas Extra 13 Rum Cask: the selective Rum cask finish delivers a sweet finish with rich flavors of juicy orange, sweet apricot jam and honey offset by warm and spicy cinnamon flavors.
• Chivas Extra 13 American Rye Cask: the selective American Rye cask finish delivers an exceptionally smooth and mellow finish, with flavors of sweet and juicy orange and creamy milk chocolate.
• Chivas Extra 13 Tequila Cask: the selective Tequila cask finish delivers a sweet and round finish, with hints of grapefruit and pineapple.

“The Extra 13 collection represents new territory for Chivas as we continue to open up the world of Scotch whisky to new audiences and fresh experiences,” said Chivas director of blending Sandy Hyslop in a prepared statement. “At Chivas we believe that blended is better – and nowhere is this more evident than with our new collection, which blends exceptional Scotch with a diverse, internationally-inspired palette of flavors.”

The four new whiskies, each featuring contemporary “artwork by renowned street artist Greg Gosselwill” that highlights “each finishing cask’s vibrant heritage,” will be rolling out globally in select markets from March, with the Chivas Extra 13 Rum Cask available exclusively via travel retail outlets from July. No price points were immediately mentioned.