Nearly a year after its launch at the New York Public Library, Chivas Regal 25 made its debut in Toronto Thursday night, following events in Vancouver and Montreal earlier in the week. Master blender and creator of Chivas Regal 25, Colin Scott, led close to 100 guests in an invite-only tasting at Vision|Co's Luxury Lounge at Lobby.
Following the launch of Chivas Regal 25 in 30 countries, including Dubai and New Zealand, 360 bottles of the luxury brand scotch will be available in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia later this year. Scott said the launches have varied from country to country, with Canada's events having a more laid-back format.
"The launches here have been almost informal because they're not sit-down dinners," said Scott. "There's a lot of interaction and comparison."
Adrienne Smith, brand manager at Corby Distilleries (Chivas Regal's Canadian distributor), added, "Scotch is perceived as very traditional and sometimes stuffy, and it has a great heritage behind it, but at the same time we wanted to have the event in a more modern space."
The evening began with cocktails made with Chivas Regal 12 and ginger ale, followed by glasses of Chivas Regal 18 and Chivas Regal 25 served neat. A four-piece Scottish band from Toronto Fire Pipes & Drums ushered Scott onstage to speak to guests three times throughout the evening, where he detailed the tasting notes of the scotches with humorous bravado. Passed hors d'oeuvres included lamb skewers, sliders, and mushroom egg rolls.
The event's guest list included media, socialites, members of the LCBO, and bar and restaurant owners. Chivas Regal 25 will launch in several European countries next year.
