Chivas Regal Extra 13 Rum Cask

I generally enjoy Chivas Regal varieties, and the initial Chivas Regal Extra, matured in Oloroso sherry casks, is a standout for me. However, Chivas has since released three more "Extra" versions, all 13 years old, including the original sherry cask. The new trio consists of Tequila Cask finish, Rye Cask finish, and this Rum cask finish. I'm fond of rum cask finishes in whisky, having recently found the Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve to be outstanding. This Chivas Regal, bottled at 40% ABV with a golden hue, features an attractive, colorful label. On the nose, an immediate rum and raisin ice cream note is quite accurate. Vanilla cream and some floral elements are present. It's distinctly vanilla ice cream, with an acetone note that I don't typically associate with Chivas aromas. After the first taste, it evoked dates and unmistakably rum and raisin ice cream. Hints of dulce de leche. On the palate, a very creamy vanilla flavor is accompanied by a surprising saltiness. Toffee, almonds, and sawdust are noticeable; the saltiness is remarkable, I can feel it between my teeth. The aftertaste follows suit. There's some hay and almonds with chocolate, not overly spicy. It has a good kick and a grassy finish. Further sips revealed sawdust and crushed almonds. Overall, it didn't meet my expectations; certain aspects felt a bit young or underdeveloped. I missed the molasses or dark fruit notes often found in rum-finished whiskies, and the rum aspect primarily manifested as rum and raisin ice cream. It's a drinkable whisky, relatively sweet and salty; my rating is 76 out of 100.

Excellently balanced, I love it.