Pure Gould on Sunset Boulevardier and Chivas Regal

This line extension, the first since 2007, snuggles in perfectly between Chivas 18 and the redoubtable 12 Year Old flagship, and taste-wise the blended scotch has all the hallmarks of Chivas Regal but exhibits more depth than the 12 Year Old and has the subtle darker notes of the 18 Year Old. 

All the specially selected whiskies have been matured in oloroso sherry casks and include some of the rarest and finest Chivas malts. Master blender Colin Scott describes the result “as an incredibly rich and discerning interpretation of the Chivas signature style”.

Interestingly, the company has eschewed an age statement but the very positioning of Extra ensures it a quality image, and the blend itself assures it a positive reception from the world’s vintage cognoscenti. 

Of course, the necessity for an age statement remains a hot topic, but the fact remains that no age statement allows the master blender much greater freedom to maintain the “brew” and arguably also allows for the production of more seriously good blended scotch whiskies, as already evidenced by the likes of Johnnie Walker Blue Label and now Chivas Regal Extra. It goes to Australia first where it will retail at AUD$73.

So, fortified by a Sunset Boulevardier and now hooked, I am ready to go shopping for the stated ingredients.

It just remains to say happy new year.

“Slàinte.”