Whisky Review: Chivas Regal 12-Year Blended Scotch

Introduction

We are checking out Chivas Regal 12-Year Blended Scotch, and it feels a little strange to say this out loud, because neither of us has really gone back to this bottle since season one of the podcast. It is not something either of us regularly keeps on the shelf. That said, revisiting it now feels overdue.

Chivas Regal 12 is a blended Scotch whisky, aged a minimum of 12 years, meaning every whisky in the blend is at least that old. From what we can tell, most of the components sit right at that 12-year mark. There are multiple distilleries involved in the blend, including several from Speyside, which makes sense given the lighter, more floral, fruit-forward profile we tend to enjoy from that region.

This is an 80-proof whisky, bottled at 40% ABV, and it is very clearly positioned as an affordable entry point into Scotch. With that in mind, we did not need to overcomplicate the setup. The real question was whether this still holds up, especially when tasted alongside other Speyside Scotches we have tried more recently.

This review is taken from our podcast episode "The Shawshank Redemption (1994) / Chivas Regal 12-Year Blended Scotch." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.

Nose

Brad:
This is nice and fruity right away. For me, it is dark cherry, honey, a little orange zest, and a touch of cinnamon. There are a lot of really pleasant things happening on the nose for a cheap blended Scotch. I am honestly impressed. I am giving it a 7.5/10 on the nose.

Bob:
What is funny is that we have been recording other episodes recently and trying a few fairly distinct Speyside Scotches. If you gave me all of them blind, I do not know that I would immediately peg this as the cheaper option.

There is a little bit of astringency, which is usually where cheap whisky gives itself away, but here it comes across more like a cigarette ash note rather than something harsh. I get melon, specifically honeydew, bright apple juice, and even a bit of cheap sparkling wine. There are chocolate shavings, a lot of vanilla, and overall it is just a really pleasant nose. I am also at a 7.5/10.

Taste

Brad:
The palate is really nice. I get an almost hazelnut praline vibe, some pepper spice, a little cinnamon, and a creamy texture. The honey is still there. The fruit drops off a bit and almost leans slightly smoky. It is not blowing my socks off, but it is solid. I am at a 7.5/10 on the palate.

Bob:
I think this would do extraordinarily well in a blind tasting. Knowing it is Chivas and knowing the price probably holds it back a bit mentally.

It does tip slightly toward an ashtray note on the back end for me, but the fruit fades without turning bitter. There is a peaty-style smoke that comes in at the end, which actually saves it. I also get a strange waxiness on my tongue that I do not usually experience, which is interesting.

Overall, it is still very solid. I am also giving it a 7.5/10 on the taste.

Finish

Bob:
This is where the 80-proof nature really shows itself. The finish is a bit watery and does not last very long. Barley and honey are the dominant notes, and a lot of what made the nose and palate interesting fades out. That said, it is still pleasant and above average for what it is. I am giving the finish a 7/10.

Brad:
I am right there with you. The mouthfeel is thin, and the low proof shows up both at the tip of the tongue and on the back end. I actually do not think this would make a great mixer. It is better as a low-proof sipping whisky. I am also at a 7/10 on the finish.

Balance

Brad:
This is where it really shines for me. I think this is a very well-blended whisky, and I mean that without caveats. It is not just good for something mass-produced or good for something cheap. It is simply well put together. I am giving it an 8/10 for balance.

Bob:
I am right there with you. An 8/10 as well. They are doing an excellent job of combining the component whiskies into a cohesive, enjoyable profile.

Value

Brad:
In the great state of Ohio, this bottle is $30. At that price, it is hard to argue against it. I am giving it a 10/10 on value.

Bob:
I am just slightly below that, only because Monkey Shoulder exists and is also an incredible value. That said, this is still an insane value for what you are getting. I am at a 9/10.

If you cannot find Monkey Shoulder, you can absolutely find Chivas, and it is usually a bit cheaper. I have no reservations recommending this at all.

Final Scores

Brad:
That brings me to a final score of 40/50.

Bob:
I am right behind you at 39/50.

Average Score: 39.5/50

Final Thoughts

On Film & Whiskey, the 35/50 mark is where we usually start recommending that you try a pour at a bar or consider buying a bottle. A 40/50 is considered great, and a 45/50 is truly rare territory.

Chivas Regal 12-Year Blended Scotch lands comfortably in recommendation territory, especially given the price. This is not a whisky trying to reinvent the category or chase complexity for complexity’s sake. It is a well-made, approachable, balanced Scotch that massively overdelivers for $30.

If you see this at a bar, skip the pour and just buy the bottle instead. For an affordable Scotch that actually holds up under scrutiny, Chivas Regal 12 absolutely earns its place.