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Chivas Regal Blended Scotch Whisky
Strathisla Distillery
Seafield Ave., Keith, Grampian Scotland
Tel: +44 (0) 1542 783 044 / Fax: +44 (0) 1340 871 729
Viewer's Comments about Chivas Regal

Chivas Regal 12 & 18 Year Blended Scotch Whisky - Photo Courtesy of Chivas RegalJames and John Chivas' ambition was 'to provide customers with products of the highest quality.' Because the Single Malts of the time were harsh and often poorly matured, they dreamt of creating a whisky that could be easily appreciated and shared amongst friends. This was soon realised as the store in Aberdeen became an Epicurean delight. As well as scouring the Highlands and Lowlands in their search for fine things for their wealthy clientele to eat and drink, they provided products from all across the world - rich coffee, exotic spices, the finest French Brandies and rums from the Caribbean. They found however that they were unable to provide a whisky that met their exacting standards.

Blending together only the finest aged whiskies, they produced a smooth and generous product that was very different to others available at the time. Word of their new whisky soon spread. And before long it became unthinkable for a host to entertain guests without a bottle of their whisky in his hand. It was this passion for blending superb whiskies and years of perfecting their art, that led to the creation of the ultimate blend, that of Chivas Regal.

When Queen Victoria began entertaining guests at her Balmoral Estate in Scotland, the search immediately began for a discrete and reliable supplier who could provide the finest food, liqueurs and spirits. Before long, in 1843, James Chivas received a letter announcing that, due to their excellent service, Chivas Brothers had been granted a Royal Warrant to supply goods to the Queen Victoria. It was the start of a long and harmonious relationship between Chivas Brothers and the Royal family.

The start of the 20th Century and America was in the full glory of cultural adolescence, bursting with energy and optimism. Construction was booming and New York was fast catching up with London, the theatre capital of the world, gaining in clout, size and sophistication . This is when Chivas Regal was created, targeted at this fast expanding Northern American market. It entered the market in the Autumn of 1909 and by December 1909, the Chivas Brothers agents were already wiring Aberdeen requesting more stock of Chivas Regal. By May 1910, less than one year after entering the market, Chivas Regal had become the most talked about of new imported consumer goods among the well-to-do stratum of New York Society.

Chivas Regal is justifiably proud of its Scottish ancestry, but the real secret of this iconic whisky and its commercial success lies across the Atlantic. It's here that James and John Chivas' vision met the American people's growing appetite for life - and the rest, as they say, is history.

Turn of the century America was a land of unrivalled opportunity. Fortunes were built in a matter of years and everything seemed possible. Chivas Regal, with its smooth generous taste, seemed to embody the quality and craftsmanship that the 'new' Americans still held in high regard from the 'old world' and was quickly adopted in the finest homes throughout the USA. Initially the brand lacked the outward, luxury presentation that American consumers were looking for. But this was soon solved by the development of the distinctive packaging that remains to this day for Chivas Regal 12 Year Old. A special, silver carton indented with heraldic symbols, reflecting its noble Scottish lineage and the chivalry of the ancient Scottish Clans. A prelude to the rich and generous whisky that lies inside.

After World War II, America was once again a land of incredible optimism and razzmatazz. The war had been won and America was experiencing a new age of prosperity. These were the Golden Years: America was changing dramatically. Affluence had brought worldly success, and now that attention was firmly on fun and living life to the full. The "Rat Pack" captured the mood of this era more than anyone. And at the heart of it all??.. Chivas Regal.

Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr and the rest. Cooler than the ice in a heavy tumbler of Chivas Regal, wise guys every one of them, sizing everyone up, then giving them the golden tap on the shoulder and bringing them in. They performed on stage together, acted together and partied together. Chivas Regal soon became a symbol of their exuberant lifestyle - a luxury that seemed to mirror both their enthusiasm for life and the underlying quality that provided the foundation for their self-belief.

Chivas Regal is often described as the smoothest Scotch whisky in the world. It's the ultimate testament to the work of the Master Blender whose quest is to carry on the vision of James and John Chivas. Master Blender Colin Scott states, "I'm one of a long line of Master Blenders at Chivas Brothers and as such I am the guardian of their unique style of whisky. I'm fortunate to be able to draw upon such an unrivalled stock of ageing whisky. One of the most extensive in the whole of Scotland."

Chivas Regal Master Blender Colin Scott - Photo Courtesy of Chivas Regal James and John Chivas had a vision to create a blended whisky to be enjoyed and shared. It's a vision that was fulfilled years later - in the form of Chivas Regal. Their inspiration is still ever present today. Chivas Regal is the world's favourite premium whisky - enjoyed in over 200 countries. So wherever you are, you'll find Chivas Regal at the heart of almost any occasion where good times are being shared with friends. Welcome to 'The Chivas Life'.

Courtesy of Chivas Regal

CHIVAS REGAL 12 YEAR OLD
BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY

Chivas Regal 12 Year Old  Blended Scotch Whisky - Photo Courtesy of Chivas Regal

Chivas Regal 12 year old is a whisky you can enjoy anywhere, at any time because it is easy to appreciate and share. It has a renowned smoothness, and a honeyed, fruity taste.

Colour: Radiant, warm amber.

Nose: An aromatic infusion of wild herbs, heather, honey, and orchard fruits.

Taste: Round and creamy on the palate, Chivas Regal has a full, rich taste of honey and ripe apples, with vanilla, hazelnut and butterscotch notes.

Finish:
Rich and lingering.

CHIVAS REGAL 18 YEAR OLD
BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY

Chivas Regal 18 Year  Blended Scotch Whisky - Photo Courtesy of Chivas Regal

Chivas Regal 18 year old gives you an intensely rewarding and luxurious whisky experience because it is made from hand-selected whiskies of exceptional richness.

Colour: Intense, dark amber.

Nose: Mulit-layered aromas of dried fruits, spice and buttery toffee.

Taste: Exceptionally rich and smooth, Chivas 18 has a velvety, dark chocolate palate, with elegant floral notes and a wisp of sweet mellow smokiness.

Finish:
A magnificently long, warm and memorable finish.

Tasting Notes Courtesy of Chivas Regal

StrathislaWhisky Distillery

Strathisla Distillery - Photo Courtesy of Chivas Regal
The Strathisla Distillery

Speyside is a magical place, with a unique natural environment that makes it the perfect location to produce the smooth, rounded malt whiskies that lie at the heart of the Chivas Regal blend. One of the most important of these Speyside malts is Strathisla.

Strathisla is produced at the oldest, and arguably the most beautiful distillery in the Highlands of Scotland - Strathisla Distillery. Strathisla has always been essential to ensure the rich and generous taste of Chivas Regal. This, and many other fine malts from throughout Scotland, are brought together with the highest quality grain whiskies to produce Chivas Regal. James and John Chivas never actually owned the distillery themselves. Finally in 1950, the company was finally able to purchase the distillery, thereby safeguarding the precious stocks of Strathisla single malt whisky for Chivas Regal.

Visit the Strathisla Distillery The visit to the Strathisla Distillery includes free coffee and shortbread, visitor handbook, self guided tour of the distillery, opportunity to nose a range of whiskies, a complimentary dram of Strathisla Single Malt Scotch Whisky or Chivas Regal, souvenir brochure, distillery shop.

Opening Times

Summer

29th March to 29th Oct 2010

Mon to Sat 09.30 – 16.00
Sun 12.00 – 16.00

Winter
1st Nov to 17th Dec 2010 - Distillery shop only

Mon to Fri
09.30–12.30 & 13.30–16.00

Admission
£5 (under 18 free)
Children under the age of 8 are not permitted in production areas, but are welcome in the visitor centres.

The Ultimate Chivas Experience
Saturday 12:00 noon to 15:00
This exclusive tutored tasting takes place in the private oak-panelled boardroom at Strathisla and show-cases Chivas Brothers most prestigious premium blended whiskies. The Art of the Master Blender comes to life when you are taken through the range that includes Chivas Regal 18 and 25 years old, Royal Salute 21 year old and the ultra premium, 100 Cask Selection. An experience not to be missed.

Straight From The Cask
Sunday 12:00 noon to 15:00
This in-depth tour of one of Scotland's oldest distilleries takes you on a journey from spirit to cask, and culminates with the unique experience of sampling five of Chivas Brothers Cask Strength Edition single malt whiskies. A fascinating journey of some of the finest malt whisky names from Speyside!. This is the only tour in Scotland offering all cask strength whisky!

Cost of each individual tour (The Ultimate Chivas Experience & Straight From The Cask): £25
Pre-booking is essential due to limited availability. (over 18s only)

Location
Just off A96 in the centre of Keith, approximately 300 metres from Keith train station.

Contact Us
Strathisla Distillery
Seafield Ave., Keith
Grampian Scotland
Tel: +44 (0) 1542 783 044
Fax: +44 (0) 1340 871 729
Email Chivas Regal here...

Courtesy of Chivas Regal