Two Masters, One Bottle, One Game: Charles Leclerc And Hikaru Nakamura Went Head-To-Head An A First-Of-Its-Kind Chivas Regal Showdown At Monza

Ahead of the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Charles Leclerc and Chess Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura met in a high-stakes, first-of-its-kind showdown. Brought together by Chivas Regal, the two masters faced off before a live crowd in one of the year’s most unexpected matchups.

The head-to-head marked the ultimate expression of two creations born from the same mindset: Chivas Regal 16 Year Old, Leclerc’s debut co-created whisky, and SE!ZE, his bespoke chess-inspired game. Inspired by the belief that success comes from deliberate choices, both were designed around the same principle: every move matters.

On one side, Leclerc, whose vision shaped both the whisky and the game, and whose pursuit of mastery has never been confined to one world. On the other, Nakamura: one of the most formidable minds in chess. Two elite competitors, one board, the ultimate test.

From the bottle to the board, Chivas Regal 16 Year Old and SE!ZE share the same DNA. Drawing on sixteen carefully selected whiskies, each aged at least sixteen years, Chivas Regal 16 is built from deliberate choices, including Charles’ selection of Longmorn Single Malt, matured in sherry casks, as the whisky’s signature component. SE!ZE applies this same thinking to gameplay, where every decision carries weight and nothing is left to chance. Both are a living tribute to the same belief: true mastery is never accidental.

The Chivas Regal Arena of Mastery buzzed with energy. Fans packed in to witness the live one-time-only showdown as two elite competitors from different disciplines challenged each other across a single board. Every move drew a reaction. Every decision landed with weight. This wasn’t just a game. It was a live, charged demonstration of what mastery looks like when it has everything to prove.

The showdown demonstrated that the spirit behind Chivas Regal 16 Year Old extends far beyond the bottle. Co-created by Charles Leclerc and Master Blender Sandy Hyslop around the number that has defined him, the whisky reflects Leclerc’s drive to constantly push further.

“I’ve faced plenty of challenges in my career, but stepping into the Chivas Regal Arena of Mastery was something entirely different,” said Charles Leclerc, Global Brand Ambassador, Chivas Regal. “The crowd, the arena, facing Hikaru, the energy was electric. SE!ZE and Chivas Regal 16 are built on the same idea: that every choice matters and nothing happens by accident. Facing one of the greatest strategic minds in the world at my own game brought that to life in a way I hadn’t anticipated. That’s what Chivas Regal and I are always pushing towards: moments that test you in ways you don’t expect.”

Livestreamed via Chivas Regal’s YouTube, the showdown offered a rare glimpse of mastery beyond its usual arena – a contest where the real aim was to prove what it means to push into the unknown.

“I’ve competed in front of big crowds before, but nothing quite like that,” said Chess Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura. “Charles and Chivas Regal built a game that keeps you on edge from the first move: fast, precise, with no margin for error and where every decision matters. That’s the kind of challenge that reveals what you’re really made of. True mastery isn’t just about knowing the game, it’s about how you handle the pressure when it counts.”

Raise a glass to the pursuit of better. Chivas Regal 16 Year Old is available on Amazon with an RRP of £64.00/$69.99. SE!ZE will be available to play digitally later this year. Sign up here.

     The First Cask Has Been Filled

A new chapter has begun at Laggan Bay. In April of 2026, the first cask was filled at our new distillery on Islay. What was once a vision is now reality, with spirit laid down to mature on the island that inspires everything we do.

The milestone was marked by Distillery Manager, Malcolm Rennie, an Islay native whose experience and passion for whisky have helped bring the distillery to life.

Witness the First Cask Filling

Be Part of the Beginning

While the first cask has now been filled, only a limited number of founding casks remain in The Hundred – Laggan Bay’s Founding Casks.This rare opportunity allows you to own a cask from the earliest days of Laggan Bay and follow its journey from new make spirit to fully matured Islay whisky. As a founding cask owner, you’ll become part of a community connected to the distillery’s future. The first cask has been filled. Yours could be next.

 Built on Experience. Created for the Future.

Laggan Bay is the vision of Leonard Russell and Tom Russell. As part of family owned Ian Macleod Distillers, the team behind renowned Scotch whisky brands including Glengoyne, Tamdhu and Rosebank, they bring decades of whisky making expertise to this new chapter on Islay. Now, that same long term commitment is being poured into a new whisky story.

Slàinte mhath,
Laggan Bay Distillery

Laggan Bay Distillery

Glenegedale, Isle of Islay, PA42 7AS

  WEBSITE   |   THE HUNDRED – LAGGAN BAY’S FOUNDING CASKS   

What is a Horizontal Whisky Tasting?

Put four whiskies in front of someone and ask them what makes each one different…that’s where the fun begins! A horizontal tasting lets you compare different whiskies side by side, helping you discover the unique character and style of each one. No right or wrong answers. No need to be an expert. Just curiosity, conversation and the chance to discover something new.

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Study whisky: explore your passion, kickstart your career. We are the leading provider of certified Scotch whisky education. 14,000+ candidates globally enjoy our QS-Approved courses. Learn directly from the experts when you study online or in-person.

Vive La France

Across the Channel, the French are among the world’s most passionate and committed drinkers of whisky. Perhaps it is an echo of the Auld Alliance which sees such a healthy trade and appreciation of drams from Scotland to France. It can be no shock, if perhaps a little surprising, to find a group of distillers working under the tricolour creating whisky.

This year we are delighted to host a collection of these producers in a dedicated zone celebrating the brilliant, surprising, beguiling whiskies they create.

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Armorik

Made at the Warenghem distillery in Brittany, Armorik was the first French single malt reaching the market in 1998. The distillery itself is older with a history stretching back to 1900, but it was only in the later stages of the 20th century that whisky began to flow from the pot stills.

Now with decades of experience, and stock, we are seeing the cementing of a core range which makes thoughtful use of new oak, ex-bourbon and sherry casks. There is even a peated expression full of iodine and herbal smoke.

Domaine des Hautes Glaces

Familiar to visitors to the show, Domaine des Hautes Glaces was founded by Frédéric Revol in 2009 in the French Alps. The intention was for a grain to glass farm distillery with a focus on terroir and sustainable practice. That’s reflected in a commitment to organic production, regenerative agriculture, locally sourced renewable energy and eco-friendly decisions around lighter and recycled packaging.

For all that admirable green agenda, perhaps of greater interest to whisky drinkers is how these whiskies taste. Serge Valentin of Whisky.Fun gave their Epistémè R18P23 a score of 91, saying it “demonstrated extraordinary qualities and truly innovative ideas.”

La Piautre

In a story that’s faintly familiar, La Piautre began as a brewery in 2004 in deepest, darkest wine country in the middle Loire near Angers. While barley was grown and available locally, there weren’t any maltsters and so inevitably, the team turned their hand to transforming humble barley into the miracle that is malt.

They do this in the traditional way of floor malting and, a nice touch this, dry the malt using wood chips sourced from local forests. Once they had a malt house up and running, the team turned their mind to distilling and to whisky, with their first whisky released in 2017.

Maison Lineti

Based in the epicentre of French winemaking, Bordeaux, Maison Lineti’s approach to whisky making makes full use of all the knowledge and techniques, expertise and equipment that the region’s oenologists have. This sees Dr Magali use seven concrete eggs to ferment the wort. These are a relatively common sight now in wineries, with ambitious winemakers using these dramatic pieces of equipment to encourage the most dynamic ferments possible. Nor does the winemaking influence stop there, Magali isn’t afraid to use malolactic fermentation, lees stirring and other techniques to bring out even more flavour in the wort.

The long-term aim is for vintage releases, following single years on a journey through the cask, charting its maturation and development through the years.

How to Pronounce Scotch Whisky Distillery Names

This blog is always worth revisiting. The videos by region have by far the biggest viewing figures on our YouTube channel.

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Study whisky: explore your passion, kickstart your career. We are the leading provider of certified Scotch whisky education. 14,000+ candidates globally enjoy our QS-Approved courses. Learn directly from the experts when you study online or in-person.

For the first time ever at The Whisky Shop, we’re really excited announce our Whisky Windfall mystery drop, where everyone is a winner! And tickets are only £45!

We’ve teamed up with Islay-based distillery Laphroaig to bring you 638 bottles full of island character. The top prize is an ultra-rare 38 Year Old Laphroaig from the acclaimed Archive Collection – there are only 400 bottles in existence, making this super exciting and exclusive.

We have every bottle wrapped up, shrouded in mystery, and ready to be shipped. Every order placed is a complete mystery to both you and our Dispatch Team. Entry costs only £45, 26 bottles are worth over £1,000, 188 are worth over £100, and the minimum bottle price is £50. Today we’re inviting you to register your interest, and when the tickets go live on September 10th you’ll be first to know.

Fancy your chances? Are you due a stroke of good luck?

Certificate in American Single Malt Whiskey

Next month marks two years since we launched the Certificate in American Single Malt Whisky in partnership with the American Single Malt Whisky Commission. A lot has changed since then, not least the ratification of American Single Malt as an official whiskey category in the US.

We’re incredibly proud of the course and delighted that more than 300 people have already earned the certification. If you’re in the UK or US, choosing the online course with the tasting pack is a great way to explore six hard-to-find whiskies from this exciting new category. Check out our Approved Course Providers for in-person options.

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Study whisky: explore your passion, kickstart your career. We are the leading provider of certified Scotch whisky education. 14,000+ candidates globally enjoy our QS-Approved courses. Learn directly from the experts when you study online or in-person.

Why Does This Whisky Taste Like That?

The first part of our new blog series looks at barley and its influence on flavour development. It explores malting, the use of unmalted grain and basically explains the first step in understanding why no two Scotch whiskies ever taste the same. With tasting recommendations for Bruichladdich and Kilchoman.

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Study whisky: explore your passion, kickstart your career. We are the leading provider of certified Scotch whisky education. 14,000+ candidates globally enjoy our QS-Approved courses. Learn directly from the experts when you study online or in-person.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF ‘ON TOUR’ TRAVELING TASTING EXPERIENCE THIS FALL 

The complimentary experience will bring the World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery to fans across Missouri, Colorado and Texas, with three new city stops and one returning favorite

FRANKFORT, KY (August 27, 2026) – Buffalo Trace Distillery announces today the return of its immersive traveling tasting experience: Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour. Now in its second year, the tasting and retail experience will visit four U.S. cities: Branson, Missouri; Kansas City, Missouri; Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas; and Denver, Colorado, bringing the Distillery experience to fans beyond its Frankfort, KY home.

Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour brings the spirit of the World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery on the road, inviting bourbon fans across the country an opportunity to taste its whiskeys, hear its stories and experience a piece of Buffalo Trace Distillery closer to home. Led by expert hosts, guests are guided through four distinctive pours while gaining a deeper understanding of the craftmanship, history and character behind each whiskey.

With each pour, guests will explore the details that shape the whiskeys, from mashbills and tasting notes to maturation techniques and other elements that give each expression its distinct character. The experience also features an exclusive retail offering of custom, city-specific barware created for each tour stop, offering guests the opportunity to take home a collectible piece of Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour while supplies last.

“The heart of Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour is bringing Buffalo Trace closer to our fans and creating more opportunities for them to experience the Distillery beyond Frankfort,” said Erica Bovard, Senior Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “We were thrilled by the response to last year’s tour and are excited to build on that momentum by returning to familiar markets and reaching new ones. It is a chance to share our whiskeys, our stories and the craftsmanship behind them with the people who make Buffalo Trace what it is.”

Each stop on Buffalo Trace Distillery On Tour will offer a total of 14 complimentary tasting experiences spread out over four days with staggered afternoon and evening time slots. Each session will feature a guided tasting lasting approximately 75 minutes and a lineup of popular brands including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare 10 Year Old, Weller Antique 107, and the new Sazerac Rye 100 Proof.

The dates and locations for each city are as follows:

• Branson, Missouri at Big Cedar Lodge – October 1-4
• Kansas City, Missouri at The Bauer – October 8-11
• Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas at The Laurel – October 14-17
• Denver, Colorado at Church Ranch Event Center – November 12-15

“Some of the best memories are made around a table, sharing a sip of Buffalo Trace Bourbon with people you enjoy,” said Ed Bell, Sazerac Homeplace Director. “The response to our first On Tour showed us there’s something meaningful about creating those moments outside the Distillery, and we’re excited to do it again in new locations. Whether guests are longtime Buffalo Trace fans or just beginning to explore bourbon, we hope they leave having discovered more of what makes Buffalo Trace Distillery and its brands so special.”

Tickets are complimentary, but advance reservations are required. Registration opens Wednesday, September 2 at 10 a.m. ET/9 a.m. CT, with a limit of four tickets per person. Must be 21 years of age or older to attend. Availability is limited, and tickets are expected to go quickly. Those interested can find tickets here.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery  

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller, Stagg, Eagle Rare 10, and Thomas H. Handy received Gold Awards at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits Competition and its flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon received a Master Medal at the 2025 Global American Whiskey Masters. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Where Craft Meets Creativity: James B. Beam Distilling Co. Launches Creator Campus

New open call gives podcasters, musicians and multidisciplinary creators the opportunity to create original work in one of America’s most iconic whiskey destinations.

CLERMONT, Ky. (August 2026) – James B. Beam Distilling Co. (JBBDCo.), home to American whiskey brands including Jim Beam®, the world’s no. 1 bourbon, Knob Creek® and Basil Hayden®, today announced the launch of Creator Campus, a new initiative that invites podcasters, musicians, filmmakers, digital creators and storytellers to apply for the opportunity to develop original work at its historic Clermont, Kentucky campus.

Rooted in more than 200 years of American whiskey-making tradition, Creator Campus transforms a portion of the JBBDCo. campus into a dedicated creative environment where heritage and contemporary culture intersect. Selected participants will receive access to the distillery’s expansive grounds and distinctive spaces to bring projects to life – from recording podcasts and filming content to producing music and hosting collaborative retreats.

More than a production space, Creator Campus offers an immersive experience at the home of Jim Beam®. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the distillery through whiskey tastings, educational experiences, restaurants, special releases and signature events, including the Clermont Supper Club series, while drawing inspiration from the craftsmanship, people and traditions that have shaped the Beam family legacy for generations.

WHY JAMES B. BEAM DISTILLING CO. IS LAUNCHING CREATOR CAMPUS

For decades, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. campus has welcomed visitors from around the world to experience the history and craftsmanship behind the spirit. With Creator Campus, JBBDCo. is expanding that legacy by creating a place where today’s creators can produce original work in an authentic setting unlike a traditional studio.

As creators increasingly seek distinctive, real-world locations that inspire storytelling and collaboration, Creator Campus offers access to one of America’s most iconic distilleries as both a creative workspace and cultural destination. The initiative reflects JBBDCo.’s ongoing commitment to craftsmanship, hospitality and bringing people together through meaningful experiences.

“At its core, JBBDCo. has always been about craft – making something meaningful to be shared, bringing people together,” said Freddie Noe, eighth-generation master distiller at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. “Creator Campus builds on that tradition by opening our doors in a new way, inviting creators to draw inspiration from this place as I have and create something entirely their own.”

HOW TO APPLY  

Creators interested in applying can visit HERE to learn more and submit an application.  Emerging and established creators including podcasters, musicians, filmmakers, digital creators and storytellers are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to bring their creative vision to life at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. campus.

Selected participants will be chosen based on the originality of their ideas, their creative vision and their alignment with the collaborative spirit and storytelling that define the JBBDCo. brand.

Creator Campus is open only to content creators and influencers who are 21 years of age or older. Additional eligibility requirements and official terms and conditions apply.

About James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Founded by America’s first family of bourbon, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. has crafted genuine American Whiskey since 1795. Its portfolio includes globally coveted and award-winning whiskey brands including Jim Beam®, Basil Hayden®, Knob Creek®, Booker’s®, Baker’s®, Little Book®, Legent®, Old Tub®, Old Overholt®, Old Crow®, and Old Grand-Dad®. Maintaining the whiskey traditions of eight generations of family distillers while advancing the category through innovation, the Beam family has defined what American Whiskey could be and should be for more than 225 years. The James B. Beam Distilling Co. crafts American Whiskey with genuine, quality ingredients that are distilled and aged without compromise at its family distilleries in Clermont, Kentucky.

About Suntory Global Spirits

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium American whiskeys, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki® and Hibiki®; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequilas and Roku® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Bartender Created Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society, and aims to have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com.