Chivas 18 Year Old Japanese Oak Finish

It their so-called Ultimate Cask Collection, all bottled at 48%, Chivas offers three expressions: American Oak Casks, French Oak and this Japanese Oak Finish. I have to admit, I’m not a big fan of Chivas Regal, but I was intrigued by this one. So when it was put on the table at a friend’s house during a get-together, I obtained a sample.

Honeysweet nose on raisins, marshmallow, juicy pears and apricot pie with a hint of mokantine and – drumrolls please – you can actually smell the Japanese oak. It’s the same typical scent of mizunara that I find in many a Japanese whisky. Citrus, ginger and a truckload of vanilla with Oriental spices. Yes, this is simply very good.

It has a good body and the fact that it’s botted at 48% is a big plus. Mouth coating and rich and again those Oriental spices that precede the sweet fruit (mostly pears and dates now!) and caramel. Nicely warming.

The finish is medium long, spicy and sweet with some citrus at the death.

This Chivas is simply very good! It’s only available in a select number of airport. Hence prices vary from 125 to 200 EUR. Oh, well. Thanks, Peter!

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