How to Drink Chivas Regal 12

Last Updated on: 26th April 2024, 05:16 pm

Discover the best way of drinking Chivas Regal 12: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this whiskey.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

• Whisky expert Neil Coleman suggests drinking it as the key ingredient in highballs.
• A whiskey rocks glass or Old Fashioned glass is ideal for drinking.
• Notes of apple, honey, vanilla, and a hint of peat in its flavor profile.
• Offers pairing suggestions with food items like dark chocolate and mature cheeses.
• Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Best Way to Drink Chivas Regal 12

“Chivas Regal truly comes into its own when featured in a highball, where its distinct peppery flavor provides an excellent boost to the cocktail. “, mentions whisky expert Neil Coleman.

While Chivas 12 may not be the premier choice for sipping due to its pepperiness and bitterness, these very characteristics make it a star in a highball.

The whisky’s affordability also makes it a prime candidate for cocktail exploration and experimentation.

For those just beginning their journey with Scotch whisky, Chivas 12 might come across as rather strong.

However, its robust nature can be a stepping stone to acquiring a taste for the complexities of Scotch.

If you are looking for a sipper I suggest drinking the Chivas Regal 18 which offers a better experience.

Related: Top 12-Year Single Malts

Adding Ice

Chivas Regal 12 improves with the addition of a large ice ball, which chills the whisky without overly diluting it.

Given its lower 80 proof (40% ABV), too much dilution can render the whisky rather bland, so it’s best to use a sizable ice sphere to maintain its flavor integrity.

Choosing the Right Glass

A classic tumbler or a rocks glass is ideal for Chivas 12, whether served neat, with ice, or in a cocktail.

The wide opening allows for an unobstructed scent experience, while the solid base is perfect for muddling ingredients or holding a chill.

Tasting Notes

The aroma of Chivas 12 is dominated by apple juice, accented with vanilla and lemon, and a slight alcoholic sharpness.

Taste-wise, it’s on the lighter side, and somewhat thin in texture.

Its taste profile features more apple juice notes, complemented by caramel and subtle shades of green apple and cinnamon, culminating in a late peppery hit.

The finish is brief and tinged with pepper and a touch of bitterness, while the apple juice note persists throughout the experience.

Cocktails with Chivas 12

Chivas 12’s balance and rounded profile make it a superb contender for simple, three-ingredient cocktails:

Highball:

• 2 oz Scotch
• 4-6 oz chilled soda water
• Large ice cubes or sphere
• Lemon twist or wedge for garnish

Combine Chivas Regal 12 and chilled soda in a highball glass over ice, garnish with a lemon twist or wedge.

Whisky Sour:

• 2 oz Scotch
• 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz Simple syrup

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.

Rob Roy:

• 2 oz Scotch
• 1 oz Sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.

Highland Mule:

• 2 oz Scotch
• 4 oz Ginger beer
• Lime wedge for garnish

Build in a highball glass over ice, top with ginger beer, and garnish.

Food Pairings

When pairing foods with a whisky like Chivas 12, the aim is to either complement the whisky’s flavors or provide a contrast that can enhance the overall tasting experience.

Here are some food pairings that can work well with Chivas 12’s flavor profile:

Sharp Cheddar Cheese:

• The sharpness and slight creaminess of the cheese can balance the peppery notes of the whisky and add depth to the tasting experience.

Dark Chocolate:

• A piece of dark chocolate with a high cocoa content can counteract any bitterness in the whisky and complement the caramel notes.

Salted Nuts:

• The saltiness of nuts like almonds or cashews can enhance the sweeter, malty flavors of the whisky and offset any harshness.

Grilled Sausages:

• The spices and fat content in sausages can work well with the peppery and caramel notes of Chivas 12, making for a hearty pairing.

These pairings aim to bring out the best in a whisky that may not stand out on its own, using robust flavors and textures to create a more enjoyable tasting experience.

Storing the Bottle

Keep your bottle of Chivas 12 in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavor.

Once opened, it’s best enjoyed soon while the flavors are most vibrant.

About Chivas Regal 12

• The whisky is a blend of various grain and malt whiskies, produced in an assortment of Scottish distilleries.
• Every whisky included in the blend has been matured for a minimum of twelve years prior to being bottled.
• Rather than a single malt, Chivas Regal is a blend that combines whiskies from multiple Scottish origins.
• The brand Chivas Regal is under the ownership of the French company Pernod Ricard.