Chivas Brothers Oldest And Finest
100cl / 43%
£179.00
- Malt type: Blended
- Region: Scotland
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A distinctive 43% luxury blended Scotch celebrating the confectionery-rich legacy of the 1909 Chivas Regal.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Chivas Brothers / Distillery Bottling (Pernod Ricard) / Scotland, Speyside (Housed at Strathisla) |
| Category | Blended Scotch Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | Non-Age Statement (Containing 'Oldest and Finest' stocks) |
| ABV & Size(s) | 43% / 100cl (1 Litre) |
| Cask / Treatment | Not stated by the producer |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer (Likely E150a added) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer (Likely Chill-Filtered) |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Standard luxury commercial release, 1L/43% variant is discontinued |
| Intended channel | Luxury Retail, Travel Retail/Duty-Free (Specific 1L format) |
| Packaging | Presentation carton, often heavy glass bottle |
| Notes on discrepancies | Often mistakenly identified as the 25 Year Old Chivas Regal, which shares the historical inspiration |
Historical Context
The Chivas legacy is rooted in the early 19th century, culminating in the 1909 launch of Chivas Regal, recognized historically as the world's first luxury Scotch whisky. That inaugural blend set the benchmark for ultra-premium Scotch. The Chivas Brothers Oldest And Finest bottling, typically encountered in the 1 Litre, 43% ABV format, is a modern homage (circa late 1990s/2000s) to this original 1909 recipe.
While it is a Non-Age Statement (NAS) blend, its identity is built around the careful selection and use of the "Oldest and Finest" components available to the Master Blender, ensuring a luxurious, rich, and velvety palate reminiscent of the original conception. The consistent use of Strathisla single malt, produced at the oldest working distillery in the Scottish Highlands, provides the signature smooth, malty foundation for all Chivas Regal expressions.
The blend's strength lies in its composition. Although the name suggests ancient components, the liquid profile demonstrates that it is an intricately balanced composition where mature malt components, potentially including Strathisla and Longmorn, are skillfully integrated with grain spirit to achieve complexity. This managed approach to utilizing older stocks is essential for maintaining supply continuity in the premium NAS category. It is necessary to clarify that this expression is distinct from the formal Chivas Regal 25 Year Old.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
This product is a Blended Scotch Whisky bottled at 43% ABV. The most distinctive characteristic is the 100cl (1 Litre) bottle size, which often indicates an original intended channel of travel retail or duty-free, where larger formats were historically popular. As a blend, it contains both malt and grain whiskies. Given the bottling strength of 43% ABV and the need for commercial clarity, it is implied that the liquid underwent Chill-Filtration. Similarly, the colour consistency often found in this blend suggests the likely addition of E150a spirit caramel.
Documented variants
The 1 Litre, 43% ABV version is the most specific collectible format. Variations in volume, such as 75cl, were previously sold in European markets.6
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 43% | 100cl (1L) | Duty-Free/Select Retail | Non-Age Statement, Premium Casing | Highest (Specific large-format collectible) |
| 43% | 75cl | Europe (Older) | Identified by label; may carry local duty stamps | Moderate (Less specific format) |
| 40% | 70cl/75cl | Global | Standard Core Range (If misidentified as a lower blend) | Low |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
The packaging must convey the expected luxury, typically involving a sturdy presentation carton and heavy glass. Verification hinges on the accuracy of the 43% ABV and the 1 Litre volume. The presence of the original, undamaged presentation box is crucial for maximizing collectible value. Prospective buyers must ensure they are acquiring this unique blend and not confusing it with standard 40% ABV Chivas Regal releases or the formal Chivas Regal 25 Year Old.
Regulatory/terminology notes
As a Blended Scotch Whisky, it meets the legal requirements for production and maturation in Scotland. A key metric for assessing this premium blend is the seamless integration of the grain component, judged on the extent to which the complex, mature, malt characteristics dominate the overall sensory experience.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The flavour profile is consistently characterized as complex, sweet, and confectionery, deriving its richness from the use of quality, mature components.
Nose: Described as a delightful aroma, featuring rich notes of Butterscotch, Caramel, and Dried Fruit, including Raisins, Sultanas, and Apricots.7 The bouquet is further refined by notes of sweet Orange, Marzipan, Heather-Honey, and hints of a possible Cognac influence.
Palate: The taste is extremely rich and balanced, offering a silky, velvety mouthfeel. Primary flavours include opulent Chocolate, Fondant, and sweet Stewed Orchard Fruits. The palate finishes with a subtle, yet discernible, hint of smoke.
Finish: Characterized as perfect and long-lasting. It is noted as medium-long and medium-dry, with persistent flavour accents of Vanilla, Toasted Grain, and Menthol.
With water: Reviews caution against excessive dilution. Water tends to diminish the richness and length of the finish. It is recommended for consumption neat or possibly over ice.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
The Original RRP (GBP) is not published. Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT) for the 1 Litre bottle varies significantly, often commanding prices in the range of GBP 200 to GBP 400+. Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): Not stated by the producer.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Retail (Denmark) | Undated | 75cl, 43% | 227.00 | Based on EUR 268.00 |
| Retail (USA List) | Undated | 1L/75cl, 43% | 860.00 | Premium US listing |
Pricing stratification: The vast margin between typical auction prices and specialist retail price suggests high arbitrage potential. Pricing stratification is primarily determined by the format rarity (1L volume) and the historical link to the 1909 blend. Liquidity is moderate, dependent on the acquisition of stock from specialized international secondary sources.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Chivas Brothers is globally recognized for its mastery of blending, utilizing the smooth, malty characteristic of Strathisla to anchor its luxurious expressions. This blending expertise ensures that even NAS whiskies achieve a standard of complexity and velvety smoothness consistent with the brand's premium heritage.
Sourcing
Sourcing should strictly target the 100cl (1L) bottling at 43% ABV, ensuring the original presentation packaging is intact. Red flags include lower ABV bottlings or instances where the bottle is misrepresented as the Chivas Regal 25 Year Old. Condition thresholds require pristine packaging and a high fill level. Acquisition margins should account for international sourcing complexity, supporting steady velocity for this specialized blend.
