James and John Chivas left the family home where they had grown up and headed to the bright lights of Aberdeen in 1836, with James picking up a job at grocers and eventually becoming a partner of said grocers a few years later. In 1857, John would join the company and Chivas Brothers was born. Among the wares sold at the grocers was whisky, and with the demand for better whisky growing, the company would blend its aged stocks to create impressive expressions. In 1909, Chivas Regal 25 year-old was released and had superb fortunes in the US. In 1949, Seagram acquired Chivas Regal and concentrated their efforts marketing and distributing the brand widely.

During the 1950s, following the end of the Second World War and the country’s recuperation after Prohibition, the brand underwent a relaunch in the US. There was immediate success and Chivas became the preferred tipple of many noteworthy individuals including Frank Sinatra who requested the drink as part of his backstage rider. At present the brand has become a colossus and sales have grown by over 40% during the last few years. To cope with demand, Chivas also acquired the Strathisla distillery which produces one of the principle components of the blend.

Today, the wonderfully malty blend Chivas Regal 12 Year Old lies at the heart of the range.