Chivas Regal is a world-famous Scotch blend which was first made in the early 20th century by Chivas Brothers. The company can trace its roots back to 1801, with the opening of a grocers at Number 13 King Street, Aberdeen. Selling luxury food, coffee and spices, it wasn't until half a century later that the company started to make whisky, and then not until post-US Prohibition that Chivas Regal 12 Year Old was first officially released. F. Paul Pacult described Chivas Regal 12 as "the blend for grown-ups", awarding it an impressive 9 out of 10. It's a very apt statement - this is a very refined blended whisky, with herbs, honey and fruit leaping forth on the palate. Regularly lauded by the critics, this is a superb blend in its price category, representing great value for money.
A creamy, aromatic melange of vanilla custard, hints of aniseed, lemon curd and butter toffee. Wood shavings and dried banana chips develop with just a hint of cassis.
More of those banana chips showing through on the palate, this time there's a creamy hit of barley malt too, pepped up with a little allspice. Notes of ground walnut and caramel.
Light spice and black pepper on the tail. Lingering notes of cereal sweetness.
A spicy, beautifully balanced blend. Lots going on here.
I have been drinking this for years, but I have the cherrywood rocker and the 1.75 litre does not come with the handle.
Chivas is a wonderfully smooth whisky. Best I have had.
Thought I'd have a go at this as I saw it at a reduced price, and after enjoying JW Black a lot more than expected. Didn't get this at all though - too harsh on the finish ('black pepper' notes generally just turn out to be throat burn for me though), thin and with far too much banana everywhere, and for me, not much of the expected richness and smoothness. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad drink as such, I'd take it over a budget blend no problem, but for the price you're better off with an entry level malt.
This is too good, I have been a fan of it for a while now. It is too smooth, aromatic and beautiful!
I would not agree with the two previous extremely biased (or even obsessed) opinions. It is a juicy yet elegant blend, showing both a nice (orchard fruits based) aroma and a chewy, moreish mouthful which accords to the nose. Good and quite long aftertaste as for a blend. In sum, one of the better 12yo blends on the market.
