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# Chivas Regal Mizunara Special Edition Review
- URL: https://www.bourbonbanter.com/chivas-regal-mizunara-special-edition-review/
- Published: 2019-10-21T10:01:00.000Z
- Updated: 2023-04-07T16:38:18.000Z
- Description: While this, to me, is a poor man’s Japanese Harmony (which I also reviewed for Bourbon and Banter), it is not without its intrigue.
- Author: Paul Needham
- Tags: Scotch Whisky News, chivas, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2023-03-13 09:32, #updated

## Bottle Details

- ****DISTILLER:** [Blended by Chivas](https://www.chivas.com/en-US/our-collection/chivas-mizunara?ref=bourbonbanter.com)
- ****MASH BILL:** A blend with mostly Speyside malts
- ****AGE:** NAS - probably the same 12 years as Chivas Regal (or close to it)
- ****YEAR:** 2019
- ****PROOF:** 80 Proof (40% ABV)
- ****MSRP:** $45-55
- ****BUY ONLINE:** [Wine-Searcher.com](https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/chivas+mizunara?ref=bourbonbanter.com)

## PAUL'S NOTES

****NOSE**: Grapefruit | Grass clippings | Floral | No grain, all malt | Mild, like watered-down Chivas when nosed side-by-side

****TASTE:** Oily | Vanilla | Cinnamon | Reisen chocolates

****FINISH:** McDonald's chocolate milkshake | Longer than the rest would lead me to guess

****SHARE WITH:** A fan of Chivas or a fan of Japanese whisky would find this interesting

****WORTH THE PRICE**: If you're a big fan of Chivas Regal, then I think the price point is fair and would suggest giving it a shot.

****BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST:** This is a solid "bar" for me.

****OVERALL:** While this, to me, is a poor man's Japanese Harmony ([which I also reviewed for Bourbon and Banter](https://www.bourbonbanter.com/drink/drink-reviews/japanese-whisky-reviews/hibiki-japanese-harmony-whisky-review/)), it is not without its intrigue. If you research the use of Mizunara in whisky, you'll find quite a bit of disdain for what Chivas is doing here. People say that the qualities that Japanese oak imparts on whisky can't be rushed by using it as a "finishing" technique. While not being an expert on either whisky finishing or the qualities of woods that are grown half a world away, I think I respectfully disagree.

I try to keep the whiskies that the members of my family prefer on hand at all times, and my father-in-law prefers Chivas Regal. In tasting this side-by-side with standard Chivas, I can certainly taste a difference. In smoothing out the edges and adding a bit of chocolate, it also mutes some of the flavors of Chivas Regal, especially in the finish. While Chivas fans could thoroughly enjoy this, I think that this might be a more enjoyable curve ball for fans of Japanese whisky... or really anyone who likes to #drinkcurious!

## BRAND NOTES

****NOSE**: Rich and fruity, presenting aromas of pear and orange.

****TASTE:** Smooth and rich with honey sweetness and a trace of hazelnut.

****FINISH:** Distinctive and spicy

****OVERALL:** The world’s first Scotch whisky selectively finished in Japanese Mizunara oak casks. Chivas Mizunara is a perfect marriage of Scottish craft and Japanese tradition. This rare oak gives gentle aromatic flavours; the resulting whisky is wondrously indulgent with a touch of spice.