Chivas Ultis Blended Scotch Whisky Review

let’s begin

Ultis is a first for Chivas, having never released a in this style before. But they have really outdone themselves here.

The Ultimate

Referring to the blend as “Our ultimate Whisky”, Chivas are very proud of their newest expression and rightly so. It’s a brilliant blend with lots of character.

Chivas have been around since 1909 (although they have roots going back further) when the first Chivas Regal 25 Year Old was created.

This blend has been created in honour of all five of the Master Distillers that Chivas have ever had; Charles Howard, Charles Julian, Allan Baillie, Jimmy Lang and Colin Scott, who is the current Master Distiller.

It has been described by Richard Black, who is Chivas Regal Global Brand Director: “To launch the first blended malt Scotch whisky from the House of Chivas is truly a momentous occasion. Chivas Regal Ultis represents the essence of Chivas Regal and is a fitting tribute to our legendary craftsmen of the past, with recognition of the luxury quality of our Scotch whisky portfolio.

“Chivas Regal Ultis is set to appeal to discerning drinkers looking to impress at special occasions as well as Scotch whisky aficionados searching for their next luxury whisky experience.”

The blend

Made from malts sourced from Chivas’s distilleries, including Strathisla, Allt-á-Bhainne, Longmorn, Braeval and Tormore, this is a wonderful edition to the Chivas family.

It’s fulsome flavour showcases the diversity of flavour profiles that the brand owns and their ability to create harmony from them.

Ultis is an exploration through the Chivas brand and each of the distilleries that represent them.

Tasting notes for Chivas Ultis Blended Scotch Whisky

Bottle cost: £168

The nose begins with big notes of honey and caramel. It is wonderfully sweet and rich, but with a complexity to it that will have to tasting it over and over until you work it all out.

There is also a delicate warmth, full of cinnamon and nutmeg, that really brings this dram to life.

The palate is fresh and filled with crisp fruit notes. Pears, apples and oranges all jump out from the get go. They are ripe and melt into the caramel notes with ease.

The wood of the casks is easily discernable, with a real bite to it. it wraps everything up in perfect harmony, tying together the orchard fruits and the caramel with the heat from the cinnamon.

The overall flavour is elegant, with a smooth mouthfeel that is reminiscent of the honey on the nose.

Some more savoury notes of cereals and slightly earthy aromas drift through and add a nice balance to the sweet flavours.

The finish is bold and lingering. There is plenty of sweetness and a lasting nod towards vanilla and caramel, with a hint of apples.

Chivas Ultis is a dram worth embracing, whether you’re a fan of the brand or not. The flavour profile is brilliant and it is an exploration through the brand’s best drams.

Let’s hope they start making more releases in this family if Chivas Ultis is anything to go by.

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Tags: Blended Scotch MaltChivasUltis

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.