Chivas Brothers Legend Special Reserve
75cl / 43%
£149.00
- Malt type: Blended
- Region: Scotland
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A discontinued 43% ABV blend released to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Chivas founding, presented in a satin-lined display box.
At-a-Glance:
Distillery: Strathisla (core malt component)
Bottler: Chivas Brothers
Country & Region: Scotland
Category: Blended Scotch Whisky
Age: Non Age Statement (NAS)
Vintage: Not stated by the producer
Bottled: Circa 2001 (Commemorating 200th anniversary of 1801 founding)
ABV & Size(s): 43% / 75cl
Cask / Treatment: Blend of carefully selected and matured malt and grain whiskies
Natural Colour: Not stated by the producer
Non-Chill-Filtered: Not stated by the producer
Cask Strength: No
Bottle count / Outturn: Not stated by the producer (Commemorative/Limited Edition)
Intended channel: Collector Release
Packaging: Satin-lined display box.
Notes on discrepancies: Released to mark the 200th anniversary of the 1801 establishment of the Chivas Brothers' grocery store.
- Historical Context:
The Chivas Brothers Legend Special Reserve is a landmark bottling created to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Chivas legacy, which was established by the Chivas brothers in Aberdeen in 1801. This commemorative release was designed to showcase the superior blending skills that had defined the Chivas House style for two centuries.
The bottling is positioned as a collector's item due to its commemorative nature and its designation as a "Special Reserve." The liquid is a blended Scotch Whisky bottled at an elevated 43% ABV, a strength chosen to ensure a richer and more complete flavour profile compared to the minimum 40% ABV standard. This 43% ABV format was commonly reserved for premium and export-focused releases during this era.
The Chivas brothers, James and John, emerged as pioneers in the art of whisky blending, renowned for their ability to select and combine various aged malt and grain whiskies into a harmonious whole. This Legend Special Reserve is a tangible expression of that tradition, appealing to enthusiasts who value the rich history of the brand's founding era. Its luxurious packaging, typically a satin-lined display box, further cemented its status as a premium collectible.
- Technical Specification & Variant Map:
The Legend Special Reserve's key technical feature is its above-standard bottling strength, which provides a key distinction in the secondary market.
2.1 Documented variants:
- 43% ABV/75cl is the standard and only known specification for this commemorative release.
Variant Matrix:
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 43% | 75cl | Collector Release | 200th Anniversary bottling, Special Reserve | Highest (Superior strength and collector status) |
2.2 Packaging & authenticity checklist:
The primary authentication features are the 43% ABV strength and the designation "Legend Special Reserve." The bottle is typically presented in a satin-lined display box, which should be intact for maximum collector value. The bottle contains a marriage of carefully selected and matured malt and grain whiskies, consistent with the Chivas blending profile. Lookalikes include the standard Chivas Regal 12 Year Old, which is bottled at 40% ABV.
2.3 Regulatory/terminology notes:
The liquid is a Blended Scotch Whisky. The 43% ABV strength is preferred by collectors for optimal liquid integrity. The Chivas house style is defined by a blend that is smooth, rich, and harmoniously balanced.
- Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes):
The profile is engineered to deliver the signature smooth, rich, and harmonious Chivas House style.
Nose: Not stated by the producer. (Expected to be aromatic, with notes of herbs, honey, and fruit.)
Palate: Rich, smooth, and harmoniously balanced in flavour. A blend of aged malt and grain whiskies, with an elegant, full body.
Finish: Not stated by the producer.
With water: Not stated by the producer.
- Distillery/Bottler Snapshot (brief)
The liquid is produced by Chivas Brothers, which became part of Pernod Ricard in 2001. The blend is built around the single malt from the Strathisla Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands. Strathisla is renowned for imparting the core smooth, rich, and fruity notes essential to the Chivas Regal House style. This blend is an example of Chivas Brothers' traditional dedication to quality and historical branding.
- Sourcing:
- Target formats/eras to prefer: The 75cl, 43% ABV commemorative edition.
- Red flags to avoid: Avoid bottles missing the original satin-lined presentation box, as this significantly detracts from the collector value.
- Condition thresholds (fill/box/labels): The satin-lined box must be in excellent condition. High fill level is essential.
- Margin/velocity expectations - qualitative: Velocity is moderate. Margin potential is strong when acquired at the low auction hammer price (circa 60.00 GBP).
