Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 02:09 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 18 vs Johnnie Walker 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 Johnnie Walker 18: Comparison
Chivas Regal 18: Smooth and well-balanced with apple, vanilla, and ripe fruit flavors. Offers a long finish with vanilla and oak. Best enjoyed on the rocks.
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label: Offers a blend of vanilla, almond, and subtle smoke. Smooth with a medium finish of caramel and smoke. Best with a dash of water.
Verdict: Chivas Regal 18 and Johnnie Walker Platinum Label both present luxurious and smooth whiskey experiences, each with its unique charm. Chivas 18 is ideal for those who appreciate gentle warmth and familiar flavors, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed sipping experience.Johnnie Walker Platinum, with its silky texture and hints of smoke, caters to those seeking smoothness with a touch of complexity.
Choosing between them comes down to personal preference for fruitiness versus smokiness, but both are commendable selections among blended Scotch whiskies, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Scotches under $100
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: Dewar’s 18
Gentle & Fruity Aroma: Chivas Regal 18 opens with a mild and inviting 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.
Smoothness Over Complexity: While Chivas Regal 18 is well-balanced and easy to drink, it might not be the most complex dram for those seeking a taste explosion. Think of it as a comfortable sweater – reliable and predictable, perfect for enjoying neat.
Consider Your Preference: If you prioritize bold and intricate flavors, other options might be more exciting. But if you appreciate smoothness and familiar charm, Chivas 18 delivers, especially if you’ve enjoyed the 12-year expression in the past.
Pro Tip for Smoothness: A drop of water can unlock a touch more sweetness and enhance the 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.
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label: Luxuriously Smooth Blended Scotch Whisky
- Nose: Vanilla, citrus, ethanol
- Palate: Vanilla, almond, caramel, smoke
- Finish: Medium, caramel, smoke
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Dewar’s 18
Inviting Aroma: Johnnie Walker Platinum Label opens with a gentle wave of vanilla and citrus, followed by a hint of ethanol that fades quickly. It’s a calm and inviting introduction, free from overwhelming aromas.
Full-Bodied & Smooth Palate: The taste delivers a satisfyingly full-bodied experience. A delightful dance of vanilla and caramel paves the way, transitioning to almond notes with a subtle touch of smoke. The defining characteristic? Exceptional smoothness, like silk caressing your tongue.
Shorter Finish with Hidden Depths: The finish is surprisingly short, leaving lingering hints of caramel and light smokiness. While it offers minimal warmth, it creates a gentle and easygoing experience. Interestingly, adding a dash of water unlocks more hidden depths of caramel and oak, suggesting a complexity that might not be immediately apparent.
Prioritizes Smoothness: Johnnie Walker Platinum Label excels in smoothness. It’s exceptionally easy to drink and approachable, making it a great choice for those who prioritize a gentle sipping experience.
Flavor Profile: While the flavors are pleasant, some might find it a bit one-dimensional due to the emphasis on smoothness. It delivers a consistent and enjoyable taste, but not necessarily a complex or layered one.
The Choice is Yours: Do you prioritize luxurious smoothness above all else? Then Johnnie Walker Platinum Label shines. It’s easy to sip, gentle on the palate, and undeniably pleasant. But if a flavor explosion is what you seek, this might be a touch too tame.
Think Cashmere Scarf: Imagine a luxurious cashmere scarf – soft, comfortable, and elegant. That’s the experience Johnnie Walker Platinum Label offers. It might not be the most exciting choice for an adventurous exploration, but it delivers sophisticated comfort in a glass.
Johnnie Walker Platinum Label in Short:
- A well-aged blend (18 years minimum) known for its exceptionally smooth and luxurious mouthfeel.
- Offers a pleasant combination of vanilla, caramel, almond, and a subtle touch of smoke.
- A great choice for those who prioritize smoothness and a gentle sipping experience.
How do they differ?
- Chivas is a blend of Single Malts, meaning it is composed exclusively of malt whiskies sourced from different distilleries.
- On the other hand, Johnnie Platinum is a blend that combines both grain whiskies and Single Malts from various distilleries across Scotland.
- While Single Malts are not inherently superior to blends, they are often considered to have a smoother profile compared to grain whiskies.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Chivas Regal 18 | $62 |
| Johnnie Walker 18 | $96 |