Chivas Regal 18 vs Dewar’s 18

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 02:02 am

Discover the differences between Chivas Regal 18 vs Dewar’s 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 18 vs Dewar’s 18: Comparison

Chivas Regal 18: Blended Scotch with apple and vanilla, leading to ripe fruit and oak flavors, finishing long with vanilla and apple.

Dewar’s 18: Offers a festive nose with bread and cherries, but a lighter taste of oak and sour apples, finishing shortly with smoke.

Verdict: Chivas Regal 18 and Dewar’s 18 present distinct experiences; Chivas for those valuing smooth, fruit-forward sips, and Dewar’s for an inviting aroma with a lighter palate. Each caters to different preferences for aged Scotch, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best-Ranked 18-Year-Old Whisky List

Chivas Regal 18: Smooth and Approachable Blended Scotch Whisky

• 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
• Similar to: Johnnie Walker 18

Gentle & Fruity Aroma: Chivas Regal 18 opens with a mild and welcoming aroma. Imagine fresh apple juice mingled with hints of sweet vanilla and pear. It’s a gentle introduction without overwhelming scents.

Balanced & Fruity Palate: The taste offers a delightful dance of ripe fruits like plums and apples, alongside smooth vanilla. Oak influence adds a subtle touch of depth without overpowering the fruitiness. A gentle warmth spreads through the palate without being harsh.

Easy-Drinking Finish: The finish lingers with vanilla and apple, followed by a whisper of oak spice. A slight tingle might appear at the end, a reminder of the whisky’s strength.

Smooth & Reliable: This is a well-balanced and easy-drinking whisky. There are no unpleasant surprises, just smooth sailing with familiar flavors. Think of it as a comfortable sweater – reliable and predictable, perfect for enjoying neat.

A Step Up from Chivas 12: Compared to the younger Chivas 12, the 18-year expression is noticeably smoother and rounder. It lacks the stronger peppery and sour notes, making it more approachable.

Pro Tip: A drop of water unlocks a touch more sweetness and enhances smoothness. However, Chivas 18 shines best neat, allowing the balanced flavors to speak for themselves.

Great for Sipping Neat: This isn’t necessarily a budget-friendly mixer. If you’re looking for a more affordable Chivas for cocktails, consider the Chivas 12. But for a smooth and pleasant sipping experience, Chivas 18 delivers with its gentle warmth and familiar charm.

Chivas 18 in Short:

• A blend of 20 single malts, each aged for at least 18 years.
• Known for its smoothness and easy-drinking character.
• A step up from Chivas 12, offering a rounder and more approachable flavor profile.
• Perfect for those who appreciate a balanced and uncomplicated dram.

Dewar’s 18: A Tantalizing Aroma That Needs Stronger Follow-Through

• Nose: Fresh bread, cherries, orange, baking spice
• Palate: Oak, sour apples, ripe fruit, peat
• Finish: Short, smoke, oak spice
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Johnnie Walker Platinum

Festive & Inviting Aroma: Crack open a bottle of Dewar’s 18 and be greeted by a captivating aroma reminiscent of Christmas cake! Warm bread mingles with juicy cherries, zesty orange, and a touch of comforting baking spices. It’s a festive and inviting scent that sparks curiosity for the first sip.

Thinner Body & Subdued Palate: The taste experience takes a different turn. The body feels lighter than expected, and the initial flavors don’t quite match the promise of the aroma. Musty oak and tart apples take center stage, with hints of ripe fruit emerging later. A subtle touch of peat adds a hint of intrigue.

Short Finish: The finish is brief, leaving behind a light smokiness and a mild bitterness from oak. It lacks the depth and warmth you might expect from an aged whisky.

Not Quite There Yet: While Dewar’s 18 isn’t a bad whisky, it doesn’t reach its full potential. The enticing aroma doesn’t fully translate into the taste, and the overall experience feels a bit restrained, particularly for the price point.

The Choice is Yours: Ultimately, the decision rests with you. If the festive aroma is particularly captivating, Dewar’s 18 might be worth trying. But if complex and well-rounded flavors are your priority, exploring other options within this budget range might be a better use of your money.

Dewar’s 18 in Short:

• A blend of single malts and grain whiskies aged for at least 18 years.
• Offers an enticing aroma of Christmas cake but a lighter body and subtler taste profile.
• Consider alternatives like Johnnie Walker Green Label or Highland Park 12 for a richer whisky experience under $50.

How do they differ?

Both whiskies are blends but the Chivas is a blend comprised of exclusively Single Malt Whiskies while the Dewar’s blends grain and malt whiskies.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Chivas Regal 18	$62
Dewar’s 18	$50