Chivas Regal 12yo Blended Scotch Whisky – 40% abv

It’s one you’ll see on shelves easily enough, and one that tries to looks more classy than some. But it’s new to me, so let’s have a whirl!

Colour: Not overly packed with E150 caramel colouring, but the bottle says there is some which isn’t a surprise; mass produced whisky needs a drop to help with consistency so we’re told.
Nose: A fairly classic light blended nose to this, gentle oaks and fruit, a drop of toffee.
Palate: It’s a touch sweeter and more alluring than the nose leads you to believe. You can tell it’s made up of whisky that’s aged, that’s good. There’s a nice citrus (orange lead) note.
Finish: The finish is fresher and longer than you would think, gentle oaks and sweet autumn berries. Certainly quite a lot of grain whisky in it I suspect.
Thoughts: A blend that out does many others by having an age statement (good!), however it’s not entirely memorable, slightly disappointing even, but it’s certainly easily drinkable.
Available: For under £30 at various shops. (£22 in Waitrose at time of posting).
Extra PR Type Stuff: Chivas ran a large cocktail competition earlier in the year, hence the cocktail kit in my picture below. We’re told… “American bartender, Masahiro Urushido, has been revealed as Chivas Regal’s first ever Chivas Master, winning the iconic whisky brand’s inaugural bartender competition in style at the NoMad hotel in New York.”. Some of the cocktail suggestions to work with the whisky are: “Morning Glory Fizz“, “Starboard Light“, “Yuzu Sour” and “Rob Roy“. Being a simple boy I unfortunately don’t have anything in the house to make cocktails with, I drink my Scotch neat (or with a drop of water)!

Thanks to Chivas for the sample.