Description
About Chivas Regal 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky
“To first become a Chivas Regal blender, you have to spend time with your master blender and many whiskies to understand our unique style of blending,” Scott says. “Each Chivas Brother blender forms part of a chain, which stretches right back to the creation of James and John Chivas’ first luxury blended whisky.”
What It Is
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Type: Blended Scotch whisky (malt + grain whiskies).
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Producer: Chivas Brothers (part of Pernod Ricard), Scotland.
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Age Statement: 12 years. All component whiskies in the blend have been matured for at least 12 years.
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ABV (Alcohol by Volume): 40%.
Here are what reviewers and tasting‑notes generally report for Chivas Regal 12:
| Aspect | Typical Notes |
|---|---|
| Nose / Aroma | Honey, orchard fruits (apple, pear), vanilla, sweet caramel or butterscotch; lighter floral or heather notes; sometimes a bit of hay or mild herbs. |
| Palate / Taste | Smooth and creamy; flavors of sweet vanilla, honey, fruit (apple, pear), some nuttiness (hazelnut), gentle spice (white pepper); touches of oak, caramel. |
| Finish | Medium length; warm; lingering sweetness and fruit, a mild spice; some dryness or oak in the tail. Not heavily smoky. |
Strengths & What Makes It Good
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Wide availability: Chivas 12 is very easy to find globally, which helps for consistency and predictability.
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Balanced & Smooth: It’s approachable; not extremely bold, which makes it good for drinking neat, with ice, or in lighter whisky cocktails.
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Value for money (in many markets) among 12‑year blends: For its age statement + brand recognition + flavor, many feel it punches above many cheaper blends.
Weaknesses / What Some Users Critique
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Lower strength (40% ABV): Some whisky lovers like more pronounced alcohol strength which can deliver more intensity. With 40%, some of the subtler flavours may be less noticeable.
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Not very bold or complex: Not aimed at lovers of heavily peated, smoky, or very wood‑driven whiskies. Some reviews say it lacks depth or boldness compared to more premium single malts.
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Astringency or drying oak/bitterness in some batches / after finish, depending on how well it’s stored or the specific bottle. Some users note mild bitterness or tannic wood notes in the finish.
When It’s a Good Choice & Who It Suits
Chivas Regal 12 is best if:
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You are looking for an everyday drinker or something easy to share.
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You like whisky that’s smooth, sweet‑fruity, and not too challenging.
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You want something reliable, consistent, with name recognition.
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You might use it in mixed drinks or whisky cocktails, where subtle complexity isn’t as crucial.
It may be less ideal if you:
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Prefer very smoky, heavily peated, or bold whisky profiles.
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Seek high proof or “strong punch” whisky.
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Want something that shows a lot of variation or drama in flavour.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.