Earlier this year, Chivas Brothers introduced the newest addition to its ultra-premium Ultimate Cask Collection: Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old Pauillac Cask Finish.

This limited-edition blended Scotch whisky is a travel-retail exclusive. Like the regular Chivas 18, this expression was created by blending a selection of malt and grain whiskies. The blend is subsequently fully finished in Pauillac wine casks sourced from France.

Pauillac is a renowned appellation in the Haut-Médoc region of Bordeaux, France. This area is amongst the better known parts of the Left Bank of Bordeaux - home to the likes of Classified First Growths Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild and Latour (that's three out of the five), as well as popular names such as Chateau Lynch Bages and Pichon Baron and Pichon Lalande, with many more highly lauded names. Endowed with an exceptional terroir, Pauillac’s ideal location provides optimal conditions for wine cultivation.

Pauilllac is home to some of the greatest concentrations of highly esteemed wine estates.

Its terroir is characterized by gravelly soils that allow for good drainage, and is considered exceptional for producing Cabernet Sauvignon. This is also the predominant grape variety in Pauillac’s blends. Other permitted grapes under appellation laws include Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Carmenère, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.

Pauillac wines are recognised for their deep colour, complex aromas, and rich, full-bodied flavours. Tasting notes include cassis, blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco, with a pronounced tannic structure.

And so back to the Chivas Regal at hand, while we know the whisky is finished in Pauillac casks, we do not know which estate the wine barrels are from. This is understandable, because non-disclosure of cask sourcing may help protect proprietary knowledge such as unique blending techniques. Moreover, there may be complex licensing requirements, just to print the estate name on the label.

Master Blender Sandy Hyslop.

However, let us not be overly concerned with the specifics. One prominent aspect is that this expression is bottled at 48% ABV, which is a significant step up over the regular 40% ABV This was also created under the expertise of Chivas’ Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop.

This is also a new-look bottle, which provides a 25% weight reduction in glass, and fully recyclable outer packaging. It is presented in a 1-litre glass bottle, adorned with accents of purple and gold against an elegant white background. Chivas’ dedication to luxury is not compromised, despite its increased efforts in sustainability. Besides reducing carbon footprints, I believe that weight reduction is a blessing to travellers - it will be much easier to hand-carry.

Whisky Review: Chivas Regal 18 Pauillac Cask Finish

Tasting Notes

Nose: A medley of red-berry sweetness and related confectionery. Raspberry coulis and blueberry mingle with blackcurrant jam and raisins. There is also the richness of a black forest cake. Layers of fresh vanilla, milk chocolate, and orange marmalade. Lemon curd and spiced plums add complexity. This is an olfactory overload.

Taste: Silky yet viscous. Opens with poached pear, strawberry compote before flowing into indulgent manuka honey and rich oak. Toasted nuts emerge with bittersweet dark chocolate, which keeps the sweetness in check.

Finish: Slightly tannic, reminiscent of wine. Juicy red grapes and berries galore. This fades into lingering notes of chocolate-coated hazelnuts and toasted oak.

My Thoughts 

Nosing this dram is just pure delight, and the palate lives up to the promise. The body is truly decadent, thanks to the elevated abv. This is pleasantly moreish, and luxuriously so. While it shines when enjoyed neat, its depth of flavours makes it a versatile partner at the table. For whisky lovers, this could be a substitute or perhaps complement wine. I believe it is ready to take on a broad range of cuisines.