Chivas Brothers Legend Special Reserve
75cl / 43%
£89.00
- Region: Scotland
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An ultra-premium, No Age Statement reserve blend from the 1990s, built on highly mature, high-quality malt components.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Chivas Brothers / Scotland, Blended Scotch |
| Category | Blended Scotch Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | NAS (Implied Aged) / Not stated by the producer / Circa 1990s |
| ABV & Size(s) | 40.0%–43.0% ABV / Not stated by the producer |
| Cask / Treatment | Undisclosed Prestige Reserve (Implied older malt stock) |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer (Implied added colour) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer (Likely chill-filtered) |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Limited Reserve (Production volume not stated) |
| Intended channel | Premium Retail, Select Markets |
| Packaging | Unique bottle shape/label emphasizing 'Legend Special Reserve' |
| Notes on discrepancies | Valuation is tied to the implied age and historical quality of the 1990s reserve stocks. |
Historical Context
The Chivas Brothers Legend Special Reserve is positioned within the ultra-premium blended segment, capitalizing on the historical reputation of Chivas Regal for mastery in vatting and aging techniques. While it carries a No Age Statement (NAS), its estimated bottling era (circa 1990s) is critical. This period suggests that the underlying malt and grain stocks used were likely significantly mature, reflecting a time when older components were more readily available for inclusion in prestigious reserve blends. This positioning appeals to collectors who value the consistent quality and complexity afforded by highly skilled blending, which often rivals single malts for depth.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The Chivas Brothers Legend Special Reserve is a blended Scotch, typically bottled between 40.0% and 43.0% ABV. The technical specifications are deliberately discreet to emphasize its 'reserve' status. The primary value driver is the Blended Premium, tied to the reliability and historical reputation of Chivas Regal for utilizing older, high-quality malt components in their prestigious reserve blends, ensuring a deep, smooth, and complex flavour profile that distinguishes it from standard commercial offerings.
Documented variants
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40.0%–43.0% ABV, standard bottle formats, bottled circa 1990s as a limited reserve.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 40.0%–43.0% | Standard | Select Global | 'Special Reserve' nomenclature, 1990s bottling style | Medium (Premium Blend Quality) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Authentication requires verification of the 'Legend Special Reserve' nomenclature on the label and the overall bottle style, which should reflect the 1990s aesthetic. Closures are typically screw cap or standard cork/stopper. Due to the lower market ceiling for blends, condition is important but not as critical as for the single malts. Focus should be on ensuring the fill level is high and the label integrity confirms the reserve status.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The liquid profile is likely achieved using standard industry practices, meaning it is not Natural Colour and is likely chill-filtered. The NAS means that the product is not legally bound to a minimum age statement, but the implied age is a key valuation driver.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The profile is expected to be smooth, deep, and complex, reflecting the use of mature components.
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Nose: Smooth and rich, with notes of mature fruit, vanilla, and honey, often displaying a malty complexity indicative of aged components.
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Palate: Deep, complex, and exceptionally smooth. Characterized by creamy texture, dark chocolate, mild spice, and a sustained, oak-driven sweetness.
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Finish: Long and satisfying, with residual warmth and a subtle, evolving complexity.
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With water: May enhance the delicate, complex flavour notes without significant dilution due to the likely higher starting ABV (up to 43.0%).
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Chivas Brothers is one of the world's leading Scotch whisky houses, famed for its expertise in blending and establishing the premium blended segment. The brand's reputation for using high-quality malt components in reserve expressions underpins this asset's inherent quality and value.
Sourcing
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Target Formats/Eras: 40.0%–43.0% ABV, 'Legend Special Reserve' labeled bottles from the estimated 1990s bottling era.
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Red Flags to Avoid: Over-valuation based on single malt comparables; ensure provenance aligns with the anticipated 1990s bottling window.
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Condition Thresholds: High fill levels are essential for blends of this era.
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Margin/Velocity Expectations: Value Hold strategy. Should be held for the long-term potential of a market re-rating in favour of prestigious, high-quality reserve blends.
