Now this is not aged as long as – well we don’t know because it’s a blend, but it’s shorter than the 18 year we’ve had on this site ages ago (and still love dearly for it’s ability to mix well). The trick they’ve taken with this one is instead of aging in American or French oak barrels (as is the common way) they’ve opted for some Japanese ‘Mizunara’ oak instead for both added rarity and presumably to make headway into the large Japanese loving whiskey market.The problem is that because this seems like an idea cooked up no less than maybe 5-10 years ago, it might need some more time in that Mizunara.
It admittedly does have a certain unique woody flavor that’s a bit unlike other whiskies, but the initial neat taste while being neat (sorry) isn’t terribly delicious, and isn’t going to win your heart. This fails to materialize when mixed as well, and makes this version nothing more than a novelty at this time. Maybe we’ll get some Mizunara 12 year or something in a few years that could win us back, but for now we suggest make sure there’s an 18 on the bottle of Chivas.
What they Say: “Bottle Front: Blended from a hand selection of the finest malt and grain whiskies. This special edition has an exceptionally smooth character and finish. Chivas Regal Mizunara has been created especially for the discerning whisky enthusiast. Smooth and mellow, with a subtle touch of spice, this is a unique signature Chivas Regal blend.
Bottle Back: Inspired by Japan, Chivas Regal Mizunara is a unique signature blend, crafted by master blender Colin Scott, from a hand selection of the finest malt and grain whiskies. In honour of the Japanese art of whisky making, Mizunara, a rare and unique oak from Japan, has been used to marry some of this exclusive blend. The result is a Scottish tribute to Japanese discernment.”
Editor’s Note: The box actually just repeats from bottle thankfully
Taste: 7.0 – The best description here is a sort of a sweet candy like wood ash. You get that sugary like flavor, but without a doubt there’s a bit of burnt wood alongside it. Overall it’s quite good.
Aftertaste: 7.0 – We’ll give them this, you certainly get a unique woody taste here and while the lingering aftertaste isn’t a full-on success, it’s good.
Burn/Smooth: 6.5 – It doesn’t burn. It’s not crystal clear smooth, but overall it’s quite easy going down. There’s a bit of ‘hot’ but overall it’s mild enough to go easy on you.
Aroma: 6.0 – We’re certain many other review sites will take this time to mention how the ‘nose’ here is distinctly Japanese for some reason, but hogwash. It’s fairly light, with a bit of oak woodyness, and that’s about it.
Honesty: 6.5 – The fact that bottle and box are a match is actually helping it here by virtue of not forcing more nonsense on us. The idea as well of Chivas using some Japanese wood to age their whiskey and sell to them is solid. The design is of course classic Chivas so that sorts out accordingly. All in all, it’s a bit preachy, but dear gods could it have been worse.
Mixability: 5.5
W/ Rocks: 6.5 – It takes away a lot of the burn aspects, but to be honest those are still there. Overall it’s less and improvement on the whiskey and more ‘here’s the thing cold’
Godfather: 5.0 – Once you ratio correct this is a fine cocktail. However if you are following the recipe exactly it’s really quite bad so as far as Godfather’s go this is okay, but you need to adjust.
Rusty Nail: 5.0 – Think of the drambuie here as the vermouth in a martini, and you like it very dry. Honestly any more is gonna feel like too much. Once you get there it’s pleasant enough, but no thanks.
Value: 3.5 – This is cheaper than Chivas 18 year, and yet that extra 11 dollars is so worth it. Unlike that more mature whiskey this is just too sweet and once you get to mixing it just becomes either cold or worse – even sweeter. It’s a fun take, but not 50 dollars fun.
Google Shop Average: $53
Website: http://www.chivas.com/
Reviewer Scores:
BuffaloJern: 5.0
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Metric Score: 42/70 |+| Metric Average: 6.0 |+| Reviewer Average: 5.0
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Final Thoughts: Well that’s another early whiskey gift done (most were given early due to shipping and Covid restrictions) next week though is a real treat with something we know we’ll love as we’ve technically had on the site before as part of our Whiskey tasting. We’re looking forward to that, because as for the Mizunara – there’s not much to look forward too. Sure it’ll be an okay whiskey, but we don’t recommend you buy it, and instead maybe get something Japanese for your Japanese whiskey needs.
1. This website needs an easy to find search function at the top and/or bottom of every page. When people visit this website they want to search for specific product, but that is impossible or hidden perhaps. Or reading one review stimulates and idea and desire to search for a different product, etc.
2. the font used on the website pages is a light shade of grey making it impossible to read in some instances. And people who have money to spend on quality bourbon and esp scotch whisky, are typically over age 40 and their eyesight is not like it was a 17. It’s like this website is catering to minors, those young enough to have excellent vision to read light grey on white background. Alcohol sites should cater to adults.
3. the reviews attempt to be witty at all times, instead of when least expected which is how humor works best. Shortcuts are taken with grammar and style. Sometimes the wrong word is inserted such as “from” instead of “friend” . . . typically this means too much reliance on a spell checker or Grammerly software or the talent is drunk.
The site is a diamond in the rough. It needs a firm, disciplined hand—e.g., a retired English school master. As it is now it is a useless for consumer information prior to shopping and purchasing actual product. Liquor/alcoholic beverage manufacturers should therefore NOT pay to advertise here until it gets a business minded attitude.
1. Search is at top right?
2. We don’t cater to any group in particular. The palate was chosen from a color style app ages ago, but I don’t mind seeing if maybe a darker shade for font looks better.
3. Reviews typically have the bulk written during the tasting, with a final edit/additional copy at the end. We’d love to have additional people doing editing, but (and this goes to your point about business attitude/ADs) we don’t make money on this site at all. We accept free gifts in the form of a product to review and always with a firm stipulation that if we hate it, we’re going to trash it, so it’s at-their-own-risk. We don’t put ads on this site, and would NEVER consider having any liquor or alcohol adjacent company pay us for ads – it would go against the whole ethos of the site.
So if you’ve got a retired English school master who’d be willing to work for no pay – send them our way.