The Special Launch of Chivas Mizunara

I kinda grew up on Chivas Regal, for back in the day, before the proliferation of the multitudinous variety that is available now, it was THE drink.  Drank by all strata of society, from those who pronounce it CHEE - VAS to those who didn't.  A special treat would have been the Royal Salute, wrapped in a velvet cloth, reserved for very special occasions.  I have to admit, over the years, I cannot recall my last sip of Chivas, (apart from the Royal Salute 21 which I had a month back), so I was pretty excited to go and meet this new Chivas Mizunara.

Pernod Ricard Malaysia has set up a wonderful "bar" in PJ Amcorp Mall, and it was a privilege to be invited.  Decked up in theme, ie, Japanese, we entered the enclave of the Bar Des Embiez to the beat of a Japanese drum.

Prior to the launch, we were given the traditional 12 year Chivas Regal to put us in the mood...

Our favourite Whisky Ambassador, and host for the night, Lionel Lau giving a brief introduction....

According to Pernod Ricard Malaysia Brand Manager Benedict Yong said, “The whisky world is wide and varied, steeped in craftsmanship. Japanese powerhouse whiskies were inspired by Scottish whiskies to begin with. Now we have an instance of paying homage the other way around, a blend inspired with a Japanese influence. To say it is an exciting addition to our lineup here in Malaysia is an understatement.”

Sebastien Mouquet, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard Malaysia opening speech....

...........followed by an festive Japanese Performance by modern day geishas and a magician who finally unveiled with the slight of hand, the new bottle.

To the more observant, you'd notice the backdrop of the bar after the launch was changed from a black cloth to unveil bottles of bottles of the new bottle.

So what EXACTLY sets it apart and makes the Chivas Mizunara different?

The Chivas Regal Mizunara is the world’s first Scotch whisky, highly bespoked,  to be selectively finished in sought-after Japanese Mizunara oak casks, which are extremely expensive, and scarce, known for their porous nature and has to be at least 200 years old.   It  marks a new milestone in innovative whisky-making, and was first unveiled exclusively in Japan in 2013.

Sandy Hyslop, Chivas Brothers Director of Blending, comments: “Among blenders, Mizunara oak casks are highly respected for two main reasons: first, they are incredibly rare; and secondly, once sourced, they present complex challenges for aging whisky. The porous nature of the oak results in a greater influence of flavour from the casks, meaning the quality of each batch must be meticulously and individually assessed. However, if the process is mastered, the resulting whisky is truly unique, as showcased by Chivas Regal Mizunara. I hope whisky lovers in Malaysia will enjoy this truly distinctive, luxury blend: a new experience within the Chivas Regal range, and a fitting Scottish tribute to this exceptional Japanese oak.”

For the F in the F& B portion of the night, we had the privilege of celebrity chefs Johnny Fua and Sherson Lian in the house, dishing out lovely canapes, and sashimi-ing an entire trout before our very eyes.

trout

What did I personally think of Chivas Mizunara?  Well, that gorgeous amber nectar is certainly easy on the palate, and is really a class above the usual 12 year old, you can immediately tell the difference.  There's a certain sweetness, but not overly so, almost just a mere hint.  On the nose, a whole variety of stuff which I shall not pretend to be able to name, but a slight orangey whiff is evident.  Would I buy it?  Yes, for the sake of variety.  I find some people have become single malt snobs, and are quick to pooh pooh blends, but hey, one man's poison is another man's booze. 

Always a hoot when there's booze and this lot...

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