Best Chivas Regal Whisky

Last Updated on: 18th April 2024, 05:20 pm

Discover the top Chivas Regal whiskies with expert Neil Coleman’s insights.

We’ll explore and compare Chivas’ diverse selection, guiding both connoisseurs and newcomers to find the best.

Join us on this flavorful exploration!

Written by: J Highland

Best Chivas Regal for Every Purpose and Taste

For Easy Enjoyment & Mixing:

• Chivas 12: This is the classic Chivas Regal with a crowd-pleasing flavor profile. Its lightness and subtle sweetness make it ideal for highballs with soda or ginger ale.

For a Slightly Spicier Chivas 12 Experience:

• Chivas 13: If you enjoy Chivas 12 but want a touch more kick, this one offers a modest spice boost with notes of clove and black pepper. It’s still suited for mixing but can also be enjoyed on the rocks.

For a Fruitier Twist:

• Chivas Mizunara: This expression introduces a fruitier profile with banana and ripe fruit notes. Enjoy it on the rocks to appreciate the full flavor.

For a Smooth & Balanced Neat Scotch:

• Chivas 18: This is a well-rounded Scotch with a long finish. It’s perfect for sipping neat or with a drop of water to open up its nuances.

For Speyside Blend Enthusiasts:

• Chivas Ultis: This blend offers a smooth and refined Speyside experience. While enjoyable, it might lack a unique character compared to other Speyside options. Consider exploring the Speyside region further if you like this.

For Scotch Newbies or a Milder Blend:

• Royal Salute: This expression boasts a smooth but subdued taste profile with apple, almond, and vanilla notes. Its lower proof might be appealing for those starting with Scotch.

For Luxury & Sweetness (Consider the Price):

• Chivas 25: This is a luxurious and smooth option with dried fruit and caramel flavors. However, its lighter body and sweetness might not be for everyone, especially considering the price point.

Remember: These are just recommendations. Ultimately, the best Chivas Regal for you depends on your personal preference. It’s always a good idea to try samples or smaller bottles before committing to a full-sized version.

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.

Chivas Regal Pricing Guide

Whisky	Price
Chivas 12	$25
Chivas Extra	$31
Chivas 13 American Rye Cask	$39
Chivas Mizunara	$50
Chivas Regal 18	$50
Chivas Regal Ultis	$140
Royal Salute 21	$230
Chivas Regal 25	$370

Chivas 12: Blended Scotch for Easy Enjoyment

• Nose: Apple, vanilla, lemon curd
• Palate: Apple, malt, oak, caramel, pepper
• Finish: Short, pepper, bitter
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Highball

Chivas 12, a popular blended Scotch, offers a crowd-pleasing mix of flavors. Expect aromas of apple, vanilla, and lemon. The taste is light-bodied, with notes of oak, caramel, and a hint of spice.

While the finish is short, it remains a solid choice, especially for mixing in highballs with soda, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Chivas Extra: Skip for More Exciting Sherry Casks

• Nose: Caramel, vanilla, pepper
• Palate: Fruity, oak spice, ginger
• Finish: Short, chocolate, pepper
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Highball

Chivas Extra offers a bit more complexity than Chivas 12, but it lacks depth. It’s spicier with a short, dry finish. While it uses Oloroso sherry casks, the influence is subtle.

Chivas 13: Modest Spice Boost for Chivas 12 Fans

• Nose: Citrus, apple juice, nail polish
• Palate: Honey, vanilla, clove, black pepper
• Finish: Short, caramel, spice
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks

Chivas 13 builds on Chivas 12 with a touch more rye spice and oak. Expect familiar apple, vanilla, and honey notes with a kick of clove and pepper. The finish is short, making it better suited for mixing than sipping neat. If you enjoy Chivas 12, the 13 offers a slightly spicier variation.

Chivas Mizunara: Fruitier Twist on the Classic Blend

• Nose: Fruity, banana, vanilla
• Palate: Malty, ripe fruit, baking spice
• Finish: Medium, ripe fruit, oak
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks

Chivas Mizunara elevates the classic Chivas 12 with a fruitier twist. Part of the blend matures in Japanese Mizunara oak casks, imparting ripe fruit sweetness and a velvety texture. Expect a touch of black spice alongside familiar oak and apple notes, making it a more interesting choice.

Chivas 18: Smooth & Balanced Blended Scotch

• Nose: Apple, vanilla, pear
• Palate: Ripe fruit, oak, vanilla, plum
• Finish: Long, vanilla, apple, oak
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks

Chivas 18 offers a refined blend with a mild nose of apple, vanilla, and pear. The taste is smooth and harmonious, featuring ripe fruits, vanilla, and a touch of oak. The finish is warm with lingering notes of apple, vanilla, and spice. Enjoy this well-balanced Scotch neat or with a drop of water for a more nuanced experience.

Chivas Ultis: Smooth Speyside Blend

• Nose: Citrus, vanilla, apple, pepper
• Palate: Caramel, clove, pepper
• Finish: Short, ginger, oak spice
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Chivas Ultis blends whiskies from Speyside distilleries for a smooth, refined experience. Expect a nose of apple, vanilla, and pepper. The taste offers caramel and clove with a spicy kick, transitioning to a ginger and oak finish. While enjoyable, it lacks the unique character to stand out from other Speyside blends.

Royal Salute: Smooth But Subdued Blend

• Nose: Apple, almond, vanilla
• Palate: Oak, caramel, raisin, baking spice
• Finish: Long, tobacco, oak spice, smoke
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat

Royal Salute boasts a regal pedigree, honoring Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. Its aroma echoes Chivas Regal with apple, almond, and vanilla. The taste is smooth but a touch muted, offering oak, caramel, and baking spice. While drinkable, a higher proof might enhance its body and flavor.

Chivas 25: Smooth Luxury

• Nose: Dried fruit, raisins, pear
• Palate: Dried fruit, citrus, oak
• Finish: Medium, caramel, oak
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat

Chivas 25 delivers a luxurious, sweet, and smooth experience. However, its light body and focus on sweetness may surprise some for a 25-year-old Scotch. Despite a pleasant finish, the lower alcohol content and lighter profile may not justify its price point for some Scotch drinkers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does Chivas Regal Compare to Other Scotch Whisky Brands?

• Chivas Regal is considered a decent mid-level Scotch whisky but is not classified as top-shelf.
• It is known for a typical flavor profile featuring apple juice notes, oak spice, and black pepper.

What is the History of Chivas Regal?

• Chivas Regal’s roots date back to 1801, with the establishment of a grocery store by the Chivas Brothers in Aberdeen, Scotland.
• The brand gained prominence by catering to a wealthy clientele and earned a royal warrant in 1843.

What Contributions Did the Chivas Brothers Make to Whisky Blending?

• James and John Chivas pioneered whisky blending in the mid-19th century, creating smoother blends to meet the demand of their affluent customers.
• Their early blends, Royal Glen Dee and Royal Strathythan, set the stage for the future success of Chivas Regal.