The Chivas Masters Global Finalists

Chivas Regal has announced the 15 international bartenders that will compete in the Chivas Masters Global Final in Shanghai on 19th-22nd June – the first time a major bartending competition has held its finals in the city. The Asian cocktail capital will play host to this year’s finalists who each impressed in regional heats with their bartending skills and demonstration of their knowledge of Chivas.

The national heats of the Chivas Masters – now in its third year – challenged bartenders to recreate Chivas Regal’s journey across the globe. The 15 global finalists created serves inspired by the classic cocktails of New York to the booming bars of Shanghai, via their local cocktail scene, all designed to enhance Chivas Regal’s smooth and generous house style – a feat they will have to replicate in the Chivas Masters Global Final.

Finalists are preparing to jet off to Shanghai for a four-day experience that will incorporate key challenges and workshops with the industry’s best, including Naren Young, Head Bartender at Dante in New York City and Chris Lowder, Head Bartender at the Four Seasons in Seoul. Naren and Chris will be joined on the judging panel by industry legend Dre Masso, Founder of Akademi in Bali, and Leo Robitschek, Bar Director of New York’s Eleven Madison Park and the NoMad Hotel Bar, where they will judge competitors on their bartending talent and ability to lead, mentor and inspire a team.

The announcement of the global finalists always marks a build of anticipation for the Chivas Masters Global Final – a time at which excitement for the competition hits fever pitch. Our national champions have impressed us so far but now have the opportunity to represent their countries alongside one of the world’s most prestigious Scotch brands and, by doing so, ensure their future as a top-class bartender.

We can’t wait to witness the start of this incredible journey in Shanghai.
– Max Warner: Global Brand Ambassador for Chivas Regal

Collaboration at the Global Final will be rewarded this year by granting a winning team, formed at the competition – the Chivas Masters Collective – a once in a lifetime trip to the Tales of the Cocktail 2016 in New Orleans. A further prize will be awarded to the 2016 Global Chivas Master, who will earn a bespoke trip to one of the world’s most iconic bars in a city of their choice to create a signature Chivas cocktail as their lasting contribution to the global competition.

China–Yao Lu from The Union Trading Company
Cuba–Renier Ernesto Rodriguez from Meliá Cohiba
Czech Republic–Tomáš Melzer from Hemingway Bar
France–Aurélie Panhelleux from CopperBay
Germany–Lukas Motejzik from Herzog
Greece–Stefanos Draganidakis from The Trap
Hong Kong–Dave Lam from Quinary
Israel–Mor Koral from 223
Japan–Naoya Mizugishi from Fujiya & Miyagi
Mexico–Alex Millan from Ponce de Leόn
Poland–Stanislaw Domin from Kawiarnia Literatka
Spain–Santi Ortiz from Ohla Barcelona
South Africa–Johan Blaauw from Cape Grace Hotel, Cape Town
UK–Chelsie Bailey from The Rummer Hotel
USA–Ben Rojo from Angel’s Share

Chivas Art of Hosting pack

Chivas Regal has partnered with Apolis, the socially motivated lifestyle brand, for the latest instalment of Chivas Art of Hosting. The new limited edition pack will inspire today’s gentlemen to share the brand’s spirit of generosity and will be available globally from middle of October.

As part of the iconic Scotch’s ongoing dedication to social initiatives, Chivas Regal approached Apolis to design a new and bespoke set of glass tumblers to be included in the Art of Hosting gift pack. The companies worked to take the partnership further and have joined forces to create an inspiring new social initiative that will empower existing craft communities.

The collaboration provides surplus glass from the manufacture of the Art of Hosting tumblers to Studio Xaquixe – an artisan glass-blowing collective from Mexico – for upcycling into luxury glass items. The resulting handcrafted wares will then be made available to purchase on the newly created platform, the Apolis Global Citizen Exchange.

Hosting is all about sharing, and the Chivas Art of Hosting tumbler pack is for socially conscious modern gentlemen who recognise the spirit of generosity in more ways than one. Chivas is delighted to have partnered with Apolis to help a community achieve a fairer and more sustainable future.
– Richard Black: Chivas Regal Global Brand Director

The Chivas Art of Hosting pack contains two Apolis-designed tumblers and a bottle of Chivas 12 Year Old Scotch whisky.

Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask

Chivas Regal has launched the Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection, a limited edition series that reinterprets the brand’s celebrated Chivas 18 expression. The Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill American Oak Finish will introduce the series, and is available exclusively in travel retail from this month.

Each limited edition ultra-premium whisky will be finished in varying types of casks to magnify a selection of the 85 flavour notes of the original Chivas 18. For the first limited edition release, Chivas 18 has been gently rested for a period of time in first fill American Oak casks, giving the expression more indulgent vanilla and caramel notes with a deep golden hue. Preserving all the essence of its rich taste, Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill American Oak Finish has been non-chill filtered.

Matching the ultra-premium nature of the liquid, each whisky is presented in luxurious packaging, textured in deep, dark Chivas 18 blue and embossed with Chivas design motifs. In a design nod to the golden hue of the whisky, a golden ribbon adorns the front of the box, embossed with the respective name of each expression in the Ultimate Cask Collection series.

For the first edition of the Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection we wanted to create a unique blend that accentuates the most iconic notes of Chivas Regal 18 Year Old, through a special finish in hand-selected First Fill American Oak casks. Designed for the sophisticated palate, the whisky provides a truly balanced taste and a velvet smooth finish.
– Colin Scott: Chivas Regal Master Blender

The Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill American Oak Finish presents an exciting opportunity for ultra-premium whisky drinkers to explore further tasting experiences from an iconic and well-loved brand. The collection taps into the increasing demand from travellers looking for unique products that can be offered as a luxury gift or shared back home during special moments and will be an exclusive addition to retail channels in airports around the world.
– Richard Black: Chivas Regal Global Brand Director

The Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection is bottled at 48% ABV and exclusively available in global travel retail. The first launch will be followed by two further expressions, to be released every 18 months.

Chivas Globe-Trotter Made for Gentlemen

Chivas Regal is celebrating craftsmanship, generosity and a passion for travel with the launch of the latest instalment in the ‘Made for Gentlemen’ series. Chivas has partnered with renowned British brand Globe-Trotter in the fourth year of the series to design exclusive collectibles for connoisseurs of luxury whisky and adventure.

Chivas Bottle Tin

Containing the newly re-designed Chivas 12 bottle, the Chivas 12 ‘Made for Gentlemen’ by Globe-Trotter limited edition gift tin is inspired by the long tradition of proud travellers applying decorative stickers onto their luggage. Featuring some of the most iconic cities around the world, the bespoke stickers adorning the tin have been hand-drawn by illustrator Andrew Davidson and represent the truly global footprint of Chivas.

To commemorate the partnership, Globe-Trotter has for the first time created a 20” trolley case for the modern gentleman. The Chivas 12 ‘Made for Gentlemen’ by Globe-Trotter Carry-On Case features a colour matched burgundy vulcanised fireboard and customised lining detailing the Chivas signifier.

As the ultimate luggage piece, Chivas and Globe-Trotter have also created the Chivas 12 ‘Made for Gentlemen’ by Globe-Trotter Steamer Trunk. The made-to-order creation is the ultimate luggage piece complete with a mini bar for the perfect service of the modern gentleman’s bottle of Chivas Regal.

A bespoke backdrop expressing the modern heritage of both brands lines the trunk interior with additional compartments for suits, watches and other travel essentials. Underlining its authenticity, the design of the trunk nods to the art of whisky making with handles crafted from American white oak in honour of the casks that influence the complexities of Chivas 12 Year Old, and a hand engraved copper plaque made from a retired Scotch whisky still.

All proceeds from the sale of the first Chivas 12 ‘Made for Gentlemen’ by Globe-Trotter Steamer Trunk will be donated to The Prince’s Trust charity.

Celebrating iconic global cities and to honour this exclusive partnership, Chivas Regal Global Brand Ambassador, Max Warner, has created the ‘Chivas Maximilian’, a fresh and modern twist on a classic cocktail, the Whisky Mac, and takes inspiration from all four corners of the world.

Chivas and Globe-Trotter form a natural partnership as two luxury British brands. We are very proud to introduce the fourth Made for Gentlemen partnership and we believe the synergies in our values and expert craftsmanship has resulted in this fine collection of limited editions that we hope will inspire adventurous travellers and spirits connoisseurs around the world.
– Richard Black: Chivas Regal Global Brand Director

The Chivas 12 ‘Made for Gentlemen’ by Globe-Trotter limited edition gift tin is available globally in travel retail. The Chivas ‘Made for Gentlemen’ Carry-On Case is available through Globe-Trotter retail outlets with RRP £950. The Chivas 12 ‘Made for Gentlemen’ by Globe-Trotter Steamer Trunk will be for sale in the Globe-Trotter flagship store in London from October at RRP £12,000 (with all proceeds donated to The Prince’s Trust charity).

Chivas Maxilmillian

CHIVAS REGAL 12 YEAR OLD HIGHLIGHTS
ITS POSITION AS A CONTEMPORARY ICON
WITH NEW PACKAGING

Chivas Regal has unveiled a contemporary new design for its 12 Year Old expression that reinforces the craftsmanship, luxury and heritage of this iconic Scotch whisky.

The new bottle and outer pack will start appearing on shelves from September 2015.

The new Chivas Regal 12 Year Old bottle retains its round generous shape for which it is renowned, while its shoulders have been raised higher to reflect the brand’s pride as one of the world’s leading Scotch whiskies.

The brand signifier, is now included as a more prominent, organic feature of the bottle, and the signatures of founders James and John Chivas have been added to the glass to display the value of brotherhood at the heart of the brand. The label has evolved to present a simplified and more vibrant look.

The outer carton has been re-designed retaining the icons that hold depth of meaning and provenance to Chivas’ rich heritage, and select areas have been embossed and debossed to add a texturalised element to the packaging.

The new design successfully demonstrates Chivas Regal’s ability to carry forward years of brand heritage and craftsmanship in a way that is appealing to modern whisky drinkers.

For many, Chivas Regal 12 Year Old acts as an entry point to the brand so it is a tremendous opportunity for us to grab their attention. We have conducted extensive consumer research and are excited to present a new modern look while maintaining our craftsmanship and timeless luxury values.
– Richard Black: International Brand Director for Chivas Regal

Chivas Master 2015: Josh Reynolds from Hawksmoor, Spitalfields, London

Chivas Regal has named Josh Reynolds, from Hawksmoor Spitalfields, in London as the 2015 Chivas Master. Reynolds competed against 11 other international finalists in the two-day New York final which saw him impress an expert panel of judges across six exciting challenges. The first round saw him present his signature cocktail, The Black Dizzy Tea.

Announced during the celebrations at the Chivas Regal Gala Dinner at Tales of the Cocktail, New Orleans, Reynolds has won the unique opportunity to work in three iconic bars, across different cities where he will be inspired to create his own three ‘classic’ signature drinks. Reynolds will be taken on an unforgettable experience where he will work alongside some of the world’s most influential bartenders.

The 12 finalists were winners of national Chivas Masters heats, which took place around the world earlier this year. During the Chivas Masters final, the bartenders were asked to re-create one of the cocktails that earned them a place in the final and also compete in a series of challenges and workshops designed to test their creativity, style, understanding of flavours and mixology skills.

Josh Reynolds’ signature drink, The Black Dizzy Tea

The judging panel was comprised of leading experts in the drinks industry, including Ago Perrone, Director of Mixology at the David Collins-designed Connaught Bar in London; Ivy Mix co-owner of Leyenda; Micah Melton, The Aviary Director; and Masa Urushido, Bar Manager at Saxon + Parole and the 2014 Chivas Master.

During the final, Urushido presented to finalists a bar tool innovation that was inspired by traditional Japanese methods of ice-carving, and was created as part of his prize for winning last year’s competition. The Ice Chisel set has been hand-forged by a third generation Japanese blacksmith and features an extended and widened curved blade to assist the precision and efficiency of the bartender when preparing the essential cocktail component of ice-spheres.

The judging panel faced a very difficult decision in naming the 2015 Chivas Master, such was the talent showcased in this year’s global final. Ultimately, Reynolds performed outstandingly across the entire six challenges and showed incredible skill, creativity and insight.

– Ago Perrone: Director of Mixology – Connaught Bar in London

Now in its second year, the Chivas Masters is continuing to serve a growing interest in classic-inspired modern cocktails around the world. At Chivas Regal we are dedicated to taking that interest even further by inspiring bartenders to explore the endless possibilities of Chivas within their drinks making.

– Max Warner: Global Brand Ambassador – Chivas Regal

Chivas Regal The Icon

Chivas Regal has unveiled the pinnacle of the Chivas Regal range – Chivas Regal The Icon, a new ultra prestige Scotch whisky.

A blend of some of the rarest and oldest whiskies available

Created with a blend of some of the rarest and oldest whiskies available to Chivas Regal, a proportion from distilleries now lost forever, Chivas Regal The Icon will be available in Dubai Duty Free from May and globally from September at a price of $3,500.

Blending Chivas Regal’s heritage with the unparalleled expertise of Master Blender Colin Scott, Chivas Regal The Icon is a luxury Scotch with extraordinary depth and complexity.
Crafted with over 20 of Scotland’s rarest whiskies, Chivas Regal The Icon includes single malts from Strathisla, the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands, Longmorn and Glen Keith distilleries.
Each year the Master Blender will produce a limited number of bottles of this luxurious Scotch whisky, making it a must have product for whisky adorers and collectors alike.

Presented in an elegant bottle, each decanter of Chivas Regal The Icon has been hand-blown by dedicated master craftsmen at Dartington Crystal before being hand-filled with the luxury liquid.
The glass is etched with careful precision before being dressed with finely crafted metalwork, while the green colour pays tribute to the original Chivas Regal bottle from 1909.

We are very proud to establish a new standard in precious Scotch whisky with Chivas Regal The Icon and we will continue to lead the way in crafting luxury Scotch that impresses Chivas fans and sophisticated whisky aficionados.
Chivas Regal The Icon is Chivas Regal at its very best, the new pinnacle of the range.
– Richard Black: Chivas Regal Global Brand Director

Chivas Regal The Icon is a truly exquisite blend. I feel very honoured to be the Master Blender to present this luxury Scotch which features rich notes of honey, vanilla and dark chocolate balanced by subtle hazelnut influences from the cask. Chivas Regal The Icon delivers a long and luxurious finish in the smooth Chivas signature style.
– Colin Scott: Master Blender for Chivas Regal