Whiskey Tasting Adventures With Chivas Regal

This post is brought to you by the Chivas 1801 Club, available only to members of the Chivas Brotherhood. Join Now.

February 20th, 2013 – To be perfectly honest, we didn’t really know what to expect when the master blenders at Chivas Regal requested we join them and the Chivas Brotherhood in Texas for a night of whiskey slinging. Turns out whiskey drinking isn’t just reserved for crotchety country club retirees who wear plaid golf pants and smoke stogies in leather-backed chairs. Upon arrival, our expectations of Elks Club members, kicking up their argyle socks, and telling stories from ‘Nam dwindled – fast. Instead we were embraced with a vibrant and all around cheerful group of gents in skinny suits and comb-overs… otherwise known as Chivas Brothernood members.

Said Brotherhood members have access to the Chivas 1801 Club, where the cult-like band of brothers share some commonalities; friendship, authenticity, and their love for good ol’ fashioned whiskey. In the 1801 Club members come together for exclusive, invite-only events at private venues in major US cities. We caught up with the pack in Houston and got schooled on their drink of choice.

Just because their whiskey is aged for decades, doesn’t mean the Chivas mentality is. The gathering had an old school, boy’s club feel with an approachable appeal – Think Mad Men meets The Hangover with an adventurous dash of Into The Wild. Glowing gold light fixtures hung over the custom branded pool table, a ferocious taxidermy bear head served as wall decor and regal dogs were painted in elaborate antique frames. Throughout the night bartenders presented a master mix of assorted cocktails. Chivas’ 12-Year was effortlessly blended into tasty drinks like the Gentlemen’s Pleasure Punch, laced with Lillet Rosé, Morello cherry Cordial, cranberry juice, and fresh lemon, topped with sparkling water.

We were privileged to sip on a variety of Chivas’ aged whiskeys. Chivas’ 12 year old is an expression of a unique tradition that has continued unbroken since the Chivas Brothers first introduced the world to the rich, smooth Scotch whisky. We learned that Chivas Regal’s 18 yr includes over 20 of Scotland’s rarest single malt whiskies, giving this well balanced whiskey a smooth touch of wood and spice, with a scent of vanilla. Chivas Regal 25 Year Old Original is a rare and exclusive blend of the finest Scotch whiskies, with aromas of stone fruit, creamy marzipan, nuts, and chocolate-orange.

Beyond sipping Chivas’ aged 12 yr, 18 yr, and 25 yr, we also were impressed by the delightful Gallantry Cocktail. Here’s how they whipped it up:

Another tasting favorite was the Brother’s Keeper

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