Chivas Regal is a well-known brand in the whisky industry, but it can be a bit confusing to determine whether it is a Scotch or a bourbon. Let me clarify this for you.
Chivas Regal is indeed a Scotch whisky, specifically a blended Scotch whisky. This means that it is a combination of different malt and grain whiskies that have been distilled and matured in Scotland. The brand has a long history dating back to 1801 and has gained a reputation for producing high-quality blended Scotch whiskies.
On the other hand, bourbon is a type of whiskey that is primarily produced in the United States, specifically in Kentucky. It is made primarily from corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. While Chivas Regal does use casks that previously held bourbon, this does not make it a bourbon itself.
The use of bourbon casks in the maturation process of Chivas Regal Extra 13 Bourbon Cask Selection is actually a technique used by the master blenders to enhance the flavors of the Scotch whisky. The bourbon casks contribute certain characteristics to the whisky, such as notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, which complement the existing flavors in the blend.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and analyze various whiskies, including Chivas Regal. The use of bourbon casks in the aging process adds an interesting dimension to the flavor profile of Chivas Regal Extra 13 Bourbon Cask Selection. The honeyed notes that are already present in the blend are enhanced by the influence of the bourbon casks, resulting in a rich and smooth whisky.
Chivas Regal is a blended Scotch whisky, not a bourbon. While it incorporates the use of bourbon casks in its maturation process, this does not change its classification. The use of bourbon casks adds unique flavors to the whisky, but it remains a Scotch whisky at its core. So, if you are looking for a bourbon, Chivas Regal is not the right choice, but if you are in the mood for a high-quality blended Scotch whisky with a touch of bourbon influence, Chivas Regal Extra 13 Bourbon Cask Selection could be a great option.