Chivas Regal has introduced Chivas Regal 16 Limited-Edition, a 16-year-old Scotch whisky co-created with Formula One driver and global brand ambassador Charles Leclerc. The release marks the brand’s first 16-year-old expression and Leclerc’s debut signature blend, developed alongside master blender Sandy Hyslop.
The collaboration began with Leclerc challenging Hyslop to create a whisky shaped by his own preferences. The result brings together 16 whiskies, each aged for at least 16 years, in a blend inspired by the number that has accompanied Leclerc throughout his career.
“16 has always been more than a number to me – it’s something I’ve carried my whole career,” said Leclerc. His involvement included a visit to Scotland, where he explored the whisky-making process and gained insight into the craftsmanship behind each cask.
During development, Leclerc sampled several whiskies before gravitating towards the rich complexity of Longmorn single malt matured in sherry casks. He then worked with Hyslop to refine the blend, with the final brief centred on creating a 16-year-old expression.
A Meeting of Craft And Precision
According to Hyslop, Leclerc was actively involved in the process, contributing to decisions and challenging the direction of the blend. The collaboration brought together the driver’s preferences and the master blender’s technical expertise.
On the nose, Chivas Regal 16 presents notes of sweet mandarin, raisins and manuka honey, followed by cinnamon and sticky toffee. The palate combines orange marmalade and apple cake with toasted oak and ginger spice, leading to a rich, velvety finish.
The whisky was presented by Leclerc and Hyslop at an intimate gathering in Miami ahead of the Grand Prix. The two revisited the creative process, discussing the decisions and challenges that shaped the final expression.
For Leclerc, the release offers a personal interpretation of a number closely tied to his identity as a racing driver. For Chivas Regal, it introduces a new age statement through a collaboration that places its ambassador directly in the whisky-making process.
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