Chivas Regal Extra 13 Tequila Cask

Success! I'm happy to share that I've finally tried the Chivas Extra 13yo Tequila cask, which has been hard to find recently. This is a significant and unexpected occasion, as I represent Chivas in Ecuador. I had been curious about its quality, particularly after tasting Buchanan's "Two Souls," another blend finished in tequila casks (which I didn't enjoy). This expression, bottled at 40% ABV, features a tequila cask finish and carries a 13-year age statement. The aroma initially resembles tequila, with notes of agave, acetone, mint, and lemon zest. Following my first taste, I detected gooseberries and grapefruit, along with a pleasant brown sugar note. The palate was surprisingly sweet, offering caramel, toffee, coffee with dulce de leche, and ginger. A second sip revealed an incredibly creamy vanilla flavor. Its richness and thickness were reminiscent of pecorino cheese. The finish was the most "tequila-like" aspect, featuring ginger, salt, agave, pepper, and herbal notes. Quite good. Ultimately, this was much superior to the Buchanan's tequila-finished bottling. This genuinely tastes like whisky, unlike my primary issue with "Two Souls." It's exceptionally creamy and enjoyable as a daily drinker. I rate it 89 out of 100. Well done.

Aroma: tropical fruit, wood, and a hint of smoke. Flavor: faint smoke, spice, vanilla, wood, sweetness, and exotic fruit. Aftertaste: Barely there. This whiskey was only good when diluted with a specific quantity of water, and even then, it had an odd bitter note. The tastes were too subtle, and it mostly resembled an aged tequila. I can't suggest it.

It's certainly not as “SMOOTH, ROUNDED & EXTRAORDINARY” as the label suggests. You do detect some Tequila notes, but it comes across as harsh and unbalanced. I'd advise skipping this particular release and sticking with the traditional 12-Year blend.

Vegetal notes, soft and smooth. Mild vegetal taste with slight pepper. Very short aftertaste.

Vanilla, oak, and honey. Light and fruity. A brief finish with hints of fudge and pineapple.

A fine sipper for warm weather, with very light citrus in the aroma and finish.