It’s no exaggeration to say that Charles Leclerc is one of the most recognisable names in motorsport today. Off track, however, he’s a sort of jack-of-all-trades. With an acclaimed music album, an affinity for chess and padel, and a partnership with Chivas Regal, his calendar during the Formula One off-season is undoubtedly full. Before the final race of the 2025 season in Abu Dhabi, he made a pit stop in Dubai for something a touch more glamorous: an appearance at the Middle East launch of Chivas Regal Crystalgold.
The event drew a polished crowd, all curious to see what the brand meant by “crystal clear” when talking about a golden oak-aged spirit. Chivas Regal Crystalgold is exactly that — a Spirit Drink born from a bespoke blend and pushed through an advanced filtration process that removes colour while keeping a surprising amount of depth. The result is a liquid so transparent it almost looks unreal, yet it delivers the smoothness and character you expect from Chivas Regal’s craftsmanship.
Chivas Regal calls it innovation built on tradition rather than replacing it, and Master Blender Sandy Hyslop spoke about how experimentation shaped the process. Years of testing led to a filtration method that maintains flavour without compromising on clarity. The brand also points out the fact that three-quarters of consumers look for spirits that work from afternoon into evening, and Chivas Regal Crystalgold lands right in that sweet spot.
Charles, who’s built a career on razor-sharp precision and staying several moves ahead, neatly fits the narrative. “Since partnering with Chivas Regal, I’ve been inspired by its unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and ability to balance heritage with innovation,” he mused. “That philosophy deeply resonates with me — it mirrors the way I approach both my career and off-track passions, like chess, where strategy and precision are everything. Chivas Regal Crystalgold is the embodiment of that spirit. It’s about pushing boundaries while staying true to your roots,” he continued.
As part of the celebration, Charles and the Chivas Regal team created the Leclerc Spritz — citrus, elderflower and mint brightened with champagne and, of course, Chivas Regal Crystalgold.
Dubai’s launch marked the regional debut, with bottles now available at MMI stores (including home delivery), The Original Barracuda and selected retailers across the UAE. It’s clear — quite literally — that Chivas Regal is steering towards a fresh lane.
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