NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Chivas Regal®, the world's first luxury whisky, today announced the introduction of its newest blend to hit U.S. markets in eight years - Chivas Regal Extra. Chivas Regal Extra is one of the richest, most generous tasting blends within the Scotch category, created by using some of the rarest House whiskies that have matured in Oloroso sherry casks. Currently available in select U.S. markets including Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Chicago, Northern California and Texas, Chivas Extra will be expanding to the rest of the U.S. later in 2015.

Chivas Regal Extra takes its inspiration from founding brothers James and John Chivas, who pioneered and excelled in the art of blending whiskies in the 19(th) Century. Colin Scott, Chivas Regal Master Blender, has been blending whisky for 25 years and has created a unique and outstanding blended Scotch using some of the rarest malt whiskies from the Chivas inventory.

"The rich and generous taste of Chivas Regal Extra has been created by using some of our rarest whiskies that have matured in Oloroso sherry casks. The mark of its quality lies in its rich and generous taste," said Scott. The new blend has a fruity, sweet nose with notes of ripe pears, creamy toffee and a hint of ginger. The ripe pears continue on the palate, with sweet tropical flavors of melons and soft notes of vanilla and caramel, blending with spicy notes of cinnamon and hints of almonds.

"Chivas Regal Extra brings together the renowned smoothness of the Chivas house style, using Strathisla Single Malt at the heart of the blend, with a fuller taste profile coming from a higher proportion of malts matured in sherry casks," said Laurent Cutier, Scotch Brand Director at Pernod Ricard. "The U.S. launch of Chivas Regal Extra marks a milestone for Chivas Regal and we are dedicated to continuing to bring innovative and quality tastes to our U.S. consumers," Cutier added.

Chivas Regal Extra can be used to elevate some of the world's most classic cocktails. The nutty sweetness, spiciness and deep rich amber color of Chivas Regal Extra raise the bar and put a new twist on classics such as the 'Old Fashioned.'

BLOOD & SAND
1 ½ parts Chivas Regal Extra
1 part Sweet Vermouth
¼ part Cherry Brandy
1 part Orange juice
Pour ingredients into a mixing glass with ice, shake, and strain into a martini glass.

EXTRA OLD FASHIONED
2 parts Chivas Regal Extra
3 dashes Orange Bitters
½ teaspoon Demerara sugar
1 teaspoon Water
1 Maraschino Cherry
Orange peel
Add sugar, whisky, bitters, and water to an old fashioned glass and stir until sugar has dissolved. Add maraschino cherry, orange slice, and rocks. Stir and serve.

EXTRA SWEET & SOUR
1 ½ parts Chivas Regal Extra
1 ½ parts Organic apple juice
¼ part Lemon juice
¼ part St. Germain
2 dashes Angustura Bitters
Sparkling water (top off)
Garnish with an apple fan.

For more information or signature recipes, please visit: http://www.chivas.com/en/int/chivas-regal-extra/mixology/

Please enjoy Chivas responsibly

CHIVAS REGAL ®EXTRA(TM)Blended Scotch Whisky. 40% Alc./Vol. (80 Proof).©2015 Imported by Chivas Bros, Import Co., Purchase, NY

About Pernod Ricard USA®
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA, which employs a workforce of nearly 19,000 people worldwide and is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI).

The company's leading spirits and wines include such prestigious brands as Absolut® Vodka, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlua® Liqueur, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth(TM) Gin, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Martell® Cognac, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod®, Ricard® and Avion(TM) Tequila; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek®, Kenwood® Vineyards and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouet® Champagne, G.H. Mumm(TM) Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.

Pernod Ricard USA is based in New York, New York, and has roughly 850 employees across the country. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org

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SOURCE Pernod Ricard USA