Chivas Regal Announces The First Chivas Master

(L-R) Dave Arnold with winner Masahiro Urushido and Max Warner,
Chivas Global Brand Ambassador

American bartender, Masahiro Urushido, has been revealed as Chivas Regal’s first ever Chivas Master, winning the iconic whisky brand’s inaugural bartender competition in style at the NoMad hotel in New York (15th July 2014).

During the national heats, competitors were tasked with creating a new classic cocktail that would stand the test of time – just as Chivas does – inspired by one of the four great cocktail eras; the Classic Age (1880-1920) which saw the birth of Chivas Regal; the Post War Boom (1945-1965) during which time, Chivas 12 was introduced; the Disco Years (1975-1990) which saw the brand become a truly global icon, and the present modern Age of Revivalism.

Masahiro said: “It’s an honour to be chosen as the first Chivas Master.
As a bartender, I am well aware of the long heritage of Chivas so immersing myself into the history of cocktails to create a drink that can stand the test of time has been very inspirational.

I am excited to share this experience with my fellow bartenders and to introduce my The New Pal cocktail to my customers in New York.
I hope that it encourages other bartenders around the world to create new Chivas cocktails inspired by the great classics”.

Max Warner, Global Brand Ambassador for Chivas Regal, commented: “From Australia to Israel, Chile to China, there was talent from all over the world involved in the competition and we are very excited with the success of the inaugural Chivas Masters.

The global cocktail scene is seeing a growing interest in classic-inspired modern cocktails and, as a brand proud to be nurturing the bartending community, we look forward to continuing to inspire the on-trade to create great cocktails steeped in heritage, such as the one created by the very talented Masahiro Urushido.”

All competitors who took part in the final are now to conclude their trip with a visit to the world’s premier cocktail festival ‘Tales of the Cocktail’ in New Orleans, where Chivas is sponsoring the Best American/International Cocktail Bar at the Spirited Awards.