Chivas Regal 18 years

Joined Nov 2005
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The Matrix?
I'm really not much of a drinker, but was gifted this Chivas Regal aged 18-years bottle in an oval tin container on Thanksgiving. I wanted to try this out with the person who gifted this, but he doesn't drink at all.

I don't know anything about whiskies. Or is this a scotch? single-malt? :dunno:

What should I expect from this? I'd hate to open this up and not like it, and end up throwing it out or letting it age along side the Crown Royal bottle I got over 13 years ago.

What would be the best way to drink this? on ice? chilled? room temp in a chilled glass? mixed with something?

I'm sure it would go great with a cigar, but I can't smoke in home, and don't have an outdoor place nearby either.
 
Chivas is a scotch. It is a blended scotch most of it being from speyside, but also other areas of scotland. I have not had it, but generally I am a fan of single malt scotch and not blended stuff. I would say if you like Johnie Walker, you would probably like this.
 
I don't think I've ever had scotch before, let alone Johnie Walker.
 
Not sure how I can describe what to expect. But if you decide to try it, on the rocks is probably the best way to start, or with a little club soda. In my experience scotch is something you love or hate, and those that don't love it sooo much usually add something, like ice or soda, to make it a little easier and reduce some of the burn. Its a nice bottle though, I normally keep a bottle of Chivas in my liquor cabinet.
 
I can't say that I've ever tried the 18 but in my house we have the 12 year old in a decanter at all times. I can only imagine that it is better and I rather enjoy the 12
 
Well Doc, don't forget, that bottle of Crown Royal really stopped aging when the company bottled it. As for what it may taste like now, it depends on how much air is in the bottle, as opposed to how much liquid is left, because some oxidation can occur over time.

As for the product itself, previous information about the Chivas line being a blended scotch is correct. Having had only the Chivas Royal Salute, which was wonderful, you may wish to try it straight up, one shot just for sampling purposes, then if you like it, two shot tastings after that.

You may also wish to try the BS (Bloofingtonian Spirit sipping procedure) of pouring it into an appropriate glass, giving it a stir in each direction, and letting it sit for a while, taking sips at intervals. These things really do "open up" and develop over a period of an hour or two. That may be the best way to decide how you'd want to try it in future tastings.
 
from Bloof:
"you may wish to try it straight up, one shot just for sampling purposes, then if you like it, two shot tastings after that. "


Then you may want to follow up with 3 shot tastings, and then you just may have to try to climb up from the floor to reach the counter/table i order to get a refill. At that point, you may find that pesky bottle sliding out of your reach and tipping over. I'd recommend simply slipping back down to the floor, of course, licking the scotch off the floor is mmmuuuuuccccchhhhhh easier that way... rather than fooling with a glass bottle that someone has OBVIOUSLY coated with crisco or some such...
:wink:
 
I just had a wee dram of the 18 YO last night , Gooooood stuff, but I like the single malts my self
Enjoy, Vince