Chivas Regal Crystalgold: the clear “whisky”

Today, Chivas Regal unveils its first clear spirit drink: Chivas Regal Crystalgold.   

Let’s be nice and clear. This is not whisky. It’s a clear spirit. That tastes a lot like a whisky. Because it used to be one.

You might compare it to Cristalino Tequila. That’s the aged Tequila (Añejo or Extra Añejo typically) that is filtered through activated charcoal to remove its colour but retain its mature flavour. Or you might remember previous examples of this sort of thing in whisky before. Like J&B -6 Degrees C Blended Scotch Whisky, which was chill filtered to minus six degrees (hence the name) to remove any cloudiness.

But Chivas Regal is marketing this as something new, a technical breakthrough with the potential to appeal to all kinds of new markets and drinkers. 

The story of Chivas Regal Crystalgold

Chivas Regal’s master blender, Sandy Hyslop, was present at the launch event to ensure that the mechanics were properly explained by a legitimate whisky maker. He says Crystalgold’s foundation is a bespoke, exclusive blend. One that is refined through a proprietary, pioneering process. 

It’s an entirely new approach to Chivas Regal’s blending and filtration technique. The brand even built a miniature plant in the laboratory dedicated to this project. Hyslop says it’s all about making sure there is maximum flavour retention. For example, the Chivas whisky is at a unique strength before the spirit is passed through the filter to get the maximum flavour potential. There are special temperature conditions and precisely measured flow rates.

The flavour Hyslop is so keen to retain is exemplified by Chivas Regal 12 Year Old. Think sweet pear, toffee, creamy vanilla, golden crunch biscuit (almost a Hobnob quality, contributed by the Strathisla in the blend). It’s the benchmark for the Chivas Regal family and what Crystalgold has to live up to. We tasted blind at the launch event, and to its credit, when asked to shout out tasting notes, everybody named flavour profiles you would associate with an aged spirit. 

“We wanted to surprise everybody, we want people to see a crystal clear spirit and then taste it and go, ‘Oh my God!’” says Hyslop. He sees this project as something of a creative playground, one that allows him to buck trends and get away from the stereotypes of clear liquid. We are talking about three years of his life.

The purpose of Chivas Regal Crystalgold

The ambition is clear: whisky’s signature depth of flavour meets the lightness and versatility of a white spirit. It’s aimed at longer, fresher drinks, bartenders who want something different to play with, and white spirit drinkers. At the same time, it’s a massive risk. This has the Chivas Regal name on it, which means something. We’re told that the brand is working with the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) to make sure the labelling and categorising are all above board, too. 

The cynic in you immediately asks, “Who is this for?”. Traditional Scotch drinkers may turn their backs, and white spirit drinkers will probably keep on drinking… white spirits, right? Is this an innovation intriguing to only people in the industry, or people beyond it? Is it simply innovation for its own sake?

The idealist may counter and say that this is for the thinking drinker who is open-minded to try new things. That “traditional Scotch drinkers” are not a monolith of purebred neckbeards sitting by a fireplace, despising any notion of whimsy or progress. Maybe the point is inherent in the creativity of the product. You do something that’s never been done before because of what you might learn along the way. Because of the possibilities. What it tells you about yourself. I bet Hyslop learned things about Chivas Regal he didn’t know before doing this. 

The proof will be in the pudding: if people do want this, they’ll buy it. That much is as clear as Crystalgold. 

Chivas Regal Crystalgold will be available at Master of Malt in the near future. Keep your eyes peeled. 

Chivas Regal Crystalgold Official Tasting Notes:

Nose: Apple pie, vanilla fudge, creamy butterscotch with hints of orange zest.  

Palate: Sweet red apples, juicy pears with warming hints of cinnamon and ginger.  

Finish: Exceptionally smooth.