Why are cask finishes important to Chivas?
Whether it’s a selective finish or maturation, I want every single one to complement the iconic Chivas whisky character –instead of compete with it or overpower it. With the Chivas Extra 13 range in particular, I wanted to make something that was still Chivas, but with an extra dimension. Each product within the Chivas Extra 13 range has its own unique base blend to help support and accentuate the cask finish it’s destined for. We choose whether to selectively finish or mature these whiskies depending on how potent the cask influence will be. For example, you couldn’t fully mature whisky in rum or tequila casks because it would be too potent and overpower the whisky. Everyone thinks whisky is a great big and strong product, but it’s more delicate than people think! It can be overwhelmed by big spirits.  With all of our cask finishes, we want a nuance of flavours; we want to bring extra complexity to the blend but still deliver that classic Chivas style. Chivas is renowned for being sweet and fruity and while a bit of oak nuttiness is needed to completement it, you don’t want to overwhelm it completely with an overbearing cask. It’s all about balance.