Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 03:43 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Regal 18 in this in-depth comparison and decide which whisky 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
Chivas 12 vs Chivas 18: Comparison
Chivas 12: A go-to blended Scotch for casual sipping and versatile mixing. With a light apple and vanilla aroma, it offers a straightforward palate of malt and caramel, finishing with a hint of pepper. Ideal for highballs, it’s an affordable and reliable choice.
Chivas 18: Elevates the Chivas experience with a richer blend of Speyside malts, offering smooth vanilla, ripe fruit, and oak flavors. Its longer finish and balanced complexity make it a great sipping whisky, best enjoyed with a touch of water.
Verdict: Chivas 12 is a solid, everyday Scotch, perfect for cocktails. Chivas 18, with its deeper flavors and smoother finish, is more suited for those special occasions or when you prefer a neat drink, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Chivas Regal Scotch Picks
Unveiling the Versatility of Chivas 12: A Blended Scotch for Every Occasion
- 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
- Similar to: Jameson
A familiar friend: Chivas 12 is a widely recognized blended Scotch whisky known for its affordability and versatility. While not the most complex expression, it offers a reliable and approachable experience.
Aromatic invitation: The journey begins with a familiar aroma dominated by apple juice, a signature Chivas note, accompanied by hints of vanilla and lemon curd.
Light and balanced: On the palate, Chivas 12 presents a light body with subtle oak flavors. Hints of caramel, green apple, cinnamon, and black pepper add a touch of complexity to the profile.
Short and crisp finish: The finish is short and light, featuring a peppery touch and a gentle warmth that avoids harshness.
A mixing champion: While Chivas 12 may not be the most distinctive sipper neat, it truly shines as a mixing ingredient. Its affordability and balanced profile make it a popular choice for creating highballs and other cocktails.
More than just a mixer: While not exceptional on its own, Chivas 12 possesses all the essential characteristics of a Scotch whisky, making it a decent option for casual sipping. Its affordable price further adds to its appeal.
Chivas Regal 12 facts:
- Crafted from a blend of grain and malt whiskies aged for at least 12 years in undisclosed Scottish distilleries.
- Renowned for its versatility and affordability, making it a popular choice for both sipping and mixing.
Experience the dependable character of Chivas 12, a versatile blended Scotch whisky that caters to both sipping and mixing preferences.
Chivas 18: A Smooth Scotch Whisky Experience
- Nose: Apple, vanilla, pear
- Palate: Ripe fruit, oak, vanilla, plum
- Finish: Long, vanilla, apple, oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Green Label
A symphony of Speyside: Chivas 18 is a meticulously crafted blend of 20 single malts, each aged for at least 18 years and sourced from Speyside distilleries owned by Pernod Ricard. This blend offers a smooth and approachable experience for whiskey enthusiasts.
Aromatic invitation: The journey begins with a mild and inviting aroma, featuring the familiar scent of apple juice, accompanied by subtle hints of vanilla and pear.
Balanced flavors: The taste profile presents a delightful interplay of ripe fruits, vanilla, and plum, complemented by subtle oak notes. The warmth on the palate is gentle and avoids being overwhelming.
Lingering finish: The finish leaves a pleasant impression of vanilla, apple, and a touch of oak spice, with a slight bite appearing towards the end.
Easy to enjoy: Overall, Chivas 18 is a well-balanced and easy-drinking whisky. While not overly complex, it offers a harmonious blend of flavors that is enjoyable neat or with a drop of water.
A note on mixing: While Chivas 18 can be enjoyed neat, its price point suggests using the more affordable Chivas 12-year-old for mixing in cocktails.
Chivas Regal 18 facts:
- Crafted from a blend of 20 Speyside single malts, each aged for a minimum of 18 years.
- Recognized for its quality, with accolades from The Wine Enthusiast and whisky expert Paul Pacult.
Experience the smooth and approachable character of Chivas 18, a premium blended Scotch whisky perfect for sipping and savoring.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Chivas Regal 12 | $27 |
| Chivas Regal 18 | $58 |