Chivas 35 years old and 18 years old
The oldest blend I have drunk […]
Recently, a friend invited me to a tasting of Chivas 35 years old. I have to admit that this is the oldest blend with which I have dealt with and I was very curious what it has to offer. It took us some time to synchronize terms, but in the end we were able to meet. We sat in three of us and began debating what to give as a primer. Initially we thought about Strathisla, as an important component of Chivas, but we doubt whether single malt does not turn out too dominant for further tasting. Finally, we chose Chivas 18 years old, hoping to observe the effect of age on the taste and smell. Here we go. Chivas 18 years old, 40% ABV. N: citruses, candied fruits, candied cherries, dried apricots, pleasantly sweet, very nice and quiet, plus there is no impact of alcohol; T: here already I feel a little of alcohol, but without exaggeration, grain is also there but quite balanced, some fruits, apricot, dried apricot, peach and pineapple, a drop of orange juice; F: medium length, with pineapple and maybe an orange. I miss a little bit of dark tones, smoke, peat, but it is precisely this style of Chivas, rather quiet, gentle and soft. Score: 82. Once we realized the fundamental tasting experience of Chivas, we went to the star of the evening - Chivas 35 years old. In this case, we had a cask strength - 45.8% ABV and un-chillfiltered. Chivas 35 years old, 45,8%, un-chillfiltered. C: amber (maybe natural); N: orange, orange peel, fudge, tangerines, there are also candied fruits and dried apricots, white pepper, subtle notes of honey, heather, toffee, caramel, no graininess, nor alcohol irritation, after a drop of water even floral; T: quite a lot of sparks on the tongue, which quickly passes, a lot of pineapple, including grilled pineapple, also peach, grapefruit, quite deep and intense, pleasurable tones of wood, vanilla, a touch of charcoal; F: long with pineapple. You can feel that this Chivas, it is sweet, nice, even floral. After 35...
