Chivas Regal Ultis is a bit of a departure from the traditional Chivas which is a blend of 40+ various malts and grain whiskies with the grain whisky making up the bulk of the liquid. The Chivas Ultis is a 100% malt blend made using five of the main single malts Chivas employs in creating their whisky.
In Chivas Brother’s Words: Chivas Regal Ultis
“Since 1909, only five men have ever mastered the iconic Chivas Regal house style, and Chivas Regal Ultis salutes the strength of vision, commitment and mastery of the brand’s Master Blenders. Chivas Regal Ultis is a luxury whisky with complex flavors, a glorious golden hue and a commanding, rich aroma, creating an ideal spirit to celebrate shared success with friends.
From the millions of casks in the Chivas Brothers inventory, only 1% has been hand-selected by the expert blending team to create Chivas Regal Ultis. This traditional method of individually nosing each cask ensures the blend’s superior quality. The distillation process takes place exclusively in copper pot stills, capturing the essence of the smooth and generous character of Chivas Regal’s signature style”
The five distilleries being used are Tormore, Longmorn, Allt A’Bhainne, Braeval and of course Strathisla which they own and is where the Chivas visitor’s center is located. I’ve had a good amount of Longmorn in my time, a bit of Allt A’Bhainne and only one or two Braeval and Strathisla, but I’ve never had any Tormore. This is a unique departure for the brand, and a new experience for me, so let’s not waste any more time and dive in a bit deeper and get into the Chivas Regal Ultis review!
Chivas Regal Ultis Info
Region: Scotland
Blender: Chivas Brothers
Mashbill: 100% Malted barley (blended malt)
Cask: various
Age: NAS
ABV: 40%
Price: $200*
Chivas Regal Ultis Review
EYE
Copper
NOSE
Honey, fruit, buttery pie crust, hazelnut syrup, strawberry frosting and light bits of coconut, earthy malt and menthol. The aroma is nice, but not deep enough to hit the next range.
PALATE
Fruit, roasted nuts, honey, earthy malt, citrus, spice and a bit of fruit cake, char, chalk and copper. Like the aroma it’s not bad, but lacks the depth to grab a B+.
FINISH
Medium fade of toffee, citrus, earthy malt, menthol and copper.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Decent balance, medium body and a warm smooth feel.
OVERALL
Chivas Regal Ultis is a decent whisky with a sweet and earthy aroma, flavor and finish that’s underpinned by a metallic coppery note. I could easily see myself pouring a glass to sip on while puttering about the apartment tidying up or watching some TV. It’s a good, but I want more than good for $200.
I know this is more of an “everyday super-premium” and isn’t geared directly at connoisseurs or whisky geeks, but I can’t help thinking that even the broader market would like to see things like higher proof (50%?), natural delivery and an age statement for that price. Maybe they’re trying to compete with the Macallan Rare Cask, or maybe it’s premium for premium’s sake; I don’t know the reasoning, but I do know that it’s a decent whisky and I’ll leave it at that for now.
SCORE: 86/100 (B)
*Disclosure: This sample of Chivas Regal Ultis was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
