LONDON, April 29, 2026 — Luxury Scotch whisky brand Chivas Regal and its Global Brand Ambassador Charles Leclerc have announced the launch of Chivas Regal 16 Limited-Edition, the first 16-year-old expression in the brand's history and Leclerc's debut signature blend. This personal co-creation is built on a shared mindset of constantly challenging oneself.
A Collaboration of Masters
The journey began when Charles Leclerc challenged Chivas Regal's Master Blender Sandy Hyslop to create something new—a bold expression entirely around Leclerc's vision. The challenge was accepted, leading to a genuine creative exchange between two masters pushing each other toward a result neither could have achieved alone. The blend brings together 16 exceptional whiskies, each aged at least 16 years, inspired by the iconic number that has defined Leclerc's life and career.
Leclerc explored several whiskies during the creation process, gravitating toward the rich complexity of sherry cask matured Longmorn single malt. After traveling to Scotland to witness the craft firsthand, he selected his preferred blend and set the final challenge: to craft it as a 16-year-old whisky.
Leclerc's Vision
“16 has always been more than a number to me – it’s something I’ve carried my whole career,” said Charles Leclerc. “Going to Scotland, seeing the distilleries, understanding the obsession behind every cask inspired me to create my own blend. Chivas Regal and I share the same belief that the standard you set today is just the starting point. I pushed Sandy to go further. He pushed me to think differently. Chivas Regal 16 felt like the natural next step in our partnership, creating something truly extraordinary together.”
Master Blender's Perspective
“Charles didn’t just put his name to this. He was in the room, making decisions, pushing back. He gravitated toward the character that defines Chivas Regal: rich, layered, built with real depth. What we’ve created together is a blend that’s unmistakably his and unmistakably ours,” said Sandy Hyslop.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, sweet mandarin, raisins, and manuka honey give way to warm cinnamon and sticky toffee. The palate moves through orange marmalade and apple cake into toasted oak and ginger spice. The finish is rich, velvety, and long.
Launch Event in Miami
The two masters united in Miami ahead of the Grand Prix to showcase Chivas Regal 16 for the first time in an exclusive intimate conversation, revisiting the steps that made it. Celebrating the blend they built together, they reviewed the moves that challenged them, the decisions that defined it, and how their shared philosophy shaped what's now in the bottle.
