Chivas Regal names Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc as its Global Brand Ambassador

Chivas Regal and Charles Leclerc are partnering

By Christopher Osburn Published March 3, 2025

Chivas Regal

The worlds of car racing and whisky are coming together again. Iconic blended Scotch whisky brand Chivas Regal just announced that it was naming Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc as its Global Brand Ambassador.

Chivas Regal and Charles Leclerc

Chivas Regal

Not only is Leclerc a Formula 1 driver, but his interests go beyond the racetrack. He’s also a talented and self-taught pianist and composer who has released multiple music tracks in the last few years. The folks at Chivas Regal believe this intersection of racing, music, and culture is the perfect accompaniment to its popular whisky.

Recommended Videos

An evening with Charles Leclerc

Glasses of Scotch lined up — Marieke Peche / iStock

The Scottish whisky brand is hosting an exclusive, one-night pop-up piano bar in Melbourne, Australia, on March 11th to celebrate this new partnership between Leclerc and Chivas Regal. This is just before the Formula 1 season begins in the city the following week. At the event, guests will imbibe bespoke cocktails with an appearance from the famed racecar driver.

“It’s no secret Charles has had incredible success in his life, but it is his tenacious spirit, commitment to excellence and off-track passions that inspired this partnership,” Nick Blacknell, Global Marketing Director for Chivas Regal at Chivas Brothers said in a press release.

“The 88 notes of the piano draw perfect parallels with the 85 flavor notes of our iconic Chivas 18 Year Old expression, showing how both music and whisky blend passion with precision. We’re excited to bring fans on the journey to celebrate our wins together – the ethos that lies at the heart of Chivas Regal.”

Christopher Osburn

Writer

Christopher Osburn is a food and drinks writer located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. He's been writing professional

Topics

Liquor, Beer, Wine & Drinks

Food & Drink

This historic US winery can legally call its wine champagne

Dive into the 150-year old history of this unique south jersey spot

Renault Winery

I lived in South Jersey for most of my life, yet I was completely unaware that such a popular winery with a rich history was right here in my backyard. The Renault Winery's story dates back nearly 156 years, when Louis Nicholas Renault left his hometown in France to set sail for California and later settled in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey. Since then, the winery has changed hands a few times but still retains one unique trait that sets it apart from other wineries.

While most wineries in the U.S. are not allowed to call their sparkling wine champagne, Renault Winery has a notable historical exception. This historical privilege dates back to when Louis Renault requested a special permit from French authorities in the 1870s that allowed his wines to be labeled as champagne. Since the winery is grandfathered in, it can still safely call its blueberry sparkling wine "Blueberry Champagne", unlike other companies in the U.S. that must refer to it as a sparkling wine. Today, visitors can take a walking tour of Renault Winery and experience a wine tasting, diving into the history of this special winery.

Food & Drink

Aquavit: the centuries-old spirit that’s more than just “black death”

What exaclty is aquavit?

Alcohol tasting: Aquavit, Bitter orange snaps, Bask, Arrack punsch

If you’ve ever been to Iceland, there’s a chance a local tour guide has offered you a chance to partake in a less-than-appealing local rite of passage. I’m talking about eating fermented shark followed by a shot of Brennivin. I, like many travelers to Iceland, have taken part in this life-changing experience. I can tell you that the shark is the biggest acquired taste I’ve ever been a part of.

The Brennivin, on the other hand, was actually memorable in a good way. Even though it’s referred to as “black death,” this strong Icelandic spirit is a neutral spirit made from potatoes. It gets its unique flavor from the use of caraway seeds. It’s the country’s main type of Aquavit and it's the national drink. But it’s definitely not the only country that makes this unique spirit. You might be wondering what Aquavit is.

Food & Drink

Oskar Blues dresses up its beer in denim for the summer

A timeless look for some classic ales

Dale's Denim Pale.

Colorado brewery Oskar Blues is bringing back a limited-time favorite with the return of the Denim Dale's line. The release features a couple of flagship beers treated to cans inspired by your favorite pair of jeans. The light summer beers are available now through Labor Day Weekend.

"Last year’s denim beer case was a statement of rebellious independence – and people got it. This year, we wanted to take it even further,” says Aaron Baker, Oskar Blues brand director. “So we wrapped the can itself in denim. It’s a celebration of individuality, utility, and American grit – all things denim and Dale’s share at their core. Whether you’re cracking one open at a dive bar or tossing it in your cooler for a weekend outside, this is a beer that wears its character on its sleeve – or in this case, its can.”