Buchanan’s 12 vs Chivas Regal 12

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:57 pm

Discover the differences between Buchanan’s 12 vs Chivas Regal 12 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Scotch is better for You!

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.

Written by: J Highland

Buchanan’s 12 vs Chivas Regal 12: Comparison

Buchanan’s 12: Offers a citrusy, vanilla nose with a light, peppery palate, ending in a short, peppery finish. Best enjoyed in mixed drinks or on the rocks.

Chivas Regal 12: Starts with apple and vanilla aromas, leading to a malty, caramel palate with a touch of pepper. Ends shortly with pepper. Excels in highballs and cocktails.

Verdict: Buchanan’s 12 and Chivas Regal 12 each provide a distinct experience suitable for mixing. Buchanan’s delivers a citrusy refreshment, ideal for light, highball-style drinks. Chivas offers a balanced mix of fruit and malt with a peppery kick, perfect for versatile cocktail crafting. Both are great choices for those exploring the world of Scotch in mixed beverages, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Budget Scotch Whisky Best Selections

Buchanan’s 12: A Refreshing Sipper or Cocktail Hero?

• Nose: Citrus, vanilla, peat
• Palate: Vanilla, fruity notes and a bit of black pepper
• Finish: Vanilla, pepper
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks cocktails
• Similar to: Johnnie Walker Red Label

Aromatic Allure: Buchanan’s 12 greets you with a vibrant citrus embrace, followed by a delicate vanilla whisper. A subtle hint of peat adds intriguing depth, while a touch of alcohol promises a spirited encounter.

Palatial Journey: While lighter in body, Buchanan’s 12 offers a playful dance of flavors. The first sip leads with smooth vanilla, followed by a delicate fruity touch. However, a peppery note emerges with subsequent sips, adding a spark of fire.

Finishing Finesse: The finale is short and sweet, initially offering a pleasant sweetness. However, the peppery notes reemerge, accompanied by a gentle warmth. While not unpleasant, it doesn’t linger on the palate.

Sipping Suitability: While the pronounced pepper and alcohol can be less friendly for neat sipping, Buchanan’s 12 finds its true calling in the realm of mixed drinks.

Cocktail Canvas: A dash of water or a highball with mineral water can work wonders. The water helps mellow the peppery and alcoholic notes, making it more approachable.

Highball Hero: While there are certainly whiskies more geared towards mixing (like Monkey Shoulder), Buchanan’s 12 holds its own in highball creations. Its lighter body and citrusy notes add a refreshing twist to your favorite highball combinations.

The Verdict: Buchanan’s 12 might not be a top choice for die-hard neat sippers. But for those seeking a refreshing and affordable option for highballs or light mixed drinks, it’s a solid contender. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover how Buchanan’s 12 can elevate your cocktail hour!

Chivas Regal 12: Unveiling a Scotch for Every Occasion

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

Aromatic Allure: Chivas 12 opens with a refreshing wave of apple juice, followed by delicate whispers of vanilla and lemon curd. It’s an invitation to a light and inviting experience.

Palatial Playground: Take a sip, and light oak flavors unfold on your tongue, accented by sweet caramel and the tangy zest of green apple. A hint of cinnamon adds warmth, while a touch of black pepper awakens the senses.

Finishing Flourish: The finale is short and light, marked by a lingering peppery warmth that’s more playful than harsh. It’s a clean exit, leaving you wanting more without feeling overwhelmed.

The Verdict: Chivas 12 sits comfortably in the midst of the Scotch whisky spectrum. It may not boast exceptional heights, but it avoids any major pitfalls. While neat sipping might not be its forte due to the peppery edge, it shines in the realm of highballs.

Cocktail Champion: Mix Chivas 12 with your favorite soda and witness its transformation. It becomes a versatile base for enjoyable highballs, offering the essential Scotch character at an attractive price point.

Beyond the Highball: Chivas 12’s competence extends beyond highballs. While it may not be the most approachable whisky on its own, it’s a solid foundation for creative cocktails. Add a twist of citrus, experiment with different mixers, and discover its hidden depths.

Remember: Ultimately, the goodness of a whisky lies in personal preference. If you enjoy classic Scotch notes and appreciate a smooth highball experience, Chivas 12 might be your perfect match. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own whisky bliss!

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Buchanan’s 12	$40
Chivas Regal 12	$36

Similarities

Buchanan’s and Chivas Regal are both blended whiskies, crafted from a combination of grain and malt whiskies sourced from multiple distilleries across Scotland.

Each component is aged for a minimum of 12 years.

As blended whiskies, they do not have a dedicated distillery.