Whisky, as we know it, isn’t meant to be clear. It’s meant to wear its years ageing in oak casks through different shades of amber. Yet the Chivas Regal Crystalgold is a whisky that defies that belief.
Launched in Singapore ahead of the Grand Prix, Crystalgold brought all the noise with it, flying in a slew of international media and personalities to attend its various launch events and afterparties. The campaign was loud, lavish, and meticulously executed, capped by the presence of Charles Leclerc, global brand ambassador and Formula 1 driver, who appeared at multiple events throughout the weekend. At the launch party held at The Singapore EDITION, we caught him between flashes of cameras where we got to ask him a singular question.
As the third-highest paid driver in Formula 1, Leclerc knows a thing or two about the finer things. We took the chance to ask how he personally defines luxury in his life. “Something that feels unique. Luxury needs to have some kind of human sensibility. When there is a human sensibility behind it, you can feel it, which brings something out of the product that is very special,” he tells us.
That human touch sits at the heart of Chivas Regal Crystalgold. Crafted by Sandy Hyslop, the brand’s master blender, the whisky underwent a pioneering filtration process where experimentation with temperature control and even flow rates was vigorously tinkered with to retain flavour but achieve that transparent finish. The three year process was the most technically demanding project of Hyslop’s 42-year career, and arguably his most radical.
On the nose, its all apple pie, vanilla fudge, and creamy butterscotch with hints of orange zest. But on the palate, notes of sweet red apples and sweet pears emerge. Traces of cinnamon and ginger await at the end, warming the tongue.
The Scotch-whisky perpetuates Chivas Regal’s spirits through its exceptionally smooth finish and almost syrup-like texture. Hyslop’s intentions when blending it were to make it approachable to Scotch and non-Scotch drinkers alike. Enjoy it neat, on ice, or as a cocktail, it should leave everyone satisfied.
What truly sets it apart, though, is how it lingers on the tongue. A sip is viscous enough to stimulate your taste buds just long enough to make you pause before reaching for another.
But if having it neat isn’t your thing, we highly recommend trying the light and crisp Leclerc Spritz, a cocktail the driver himself picked from a lineup of Crystalgold creations. Here’s the recipe if you’re interested in recreating it for yourself:
The Leclerc Spritz:
Chivas Regal Crystalgold is available at select retailers, and served at bars including LAVO Singapore, SUSHISAMBA, Atlas Bar, Mondrian Hotel Duxton, and Nutmeg & Clove
