Uploaded October 2021 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this video, Charles-Philippe reviews the famed Chivas Regal 12-Year Blended Scotch Whisky. Learn about this ex-Bourbon cask Scotch whisky as we explore it in detail in this video.
Discover The Liquor Formula & Read The Review:
bespokeunit.com/articles/whisky/chivas-regal-12
Learn about the Bespoke Unit Liquor Formula:
bespokeunit.com/spirits/formula
Read all about Scotch Whisky with our guides:
bespokeunit.com/whisky
00:00 Introduction
The review of this Chivas Regal 12 was conducted with the Bespoke Unit Whisky Matrix, a quantifiable review matrix that you can use at home or quickly refer to if you're in a hurry. The PDF version can be found at the Blog review URL above.
00:32 Overview
Chivas was born in 1801 when James and John Chivas opened their own grocery store in Aberdeen. Yet, it wasn't until 1854 when the Scotch blend was first launched under the Chivas name, and this was done by John and James Chivas' descendants, Stewart and James Jr.
In 1950, when the brand was no longer family-owned, they purchased the Milton Distillery in Speyside and renamed it to Strathisla. Later on, in 2001, the brand was acquired by Pernod Ricard.
The core of the Regal 12 blend comes from the Keith, Speyside distillery, however, there are rumors that the Stratchvlyde distillery in Glasgow contributes to their secret "overall blend." Nevertheless, it is a guarantee that each of the malts in this Regal 12 Year Old is at least that - 12 years old.
This Regal 12 is chill-filtered and aged in ex-Bourbon barrels, though sherry casks may also be involved.
01:46 Robe & Appearance
The robe is an aged amber color, perhaps with some slight caramel. In terms of clarity, it is quite transparent as opposed to other blends which can be slightly hazy. The legs are thin and fast, and there are not many whirls as this whisky is chill-filtered.
02:42 Nose
The nose is intense and prickly though not overly complex. It has a lot of character and rich identity. There are notes of caramel and a crisp red apple. There are also notes of heather and soft vanilla.
03:13 Palate
The primary flavors are quite savory with a slight sweetness. The mouthfeel is creamy and luscious, and it opens into slight spiciness. Nutmeg and creamy hickory can also be detected. Overall, the beginning is a very rounded malt flavor.
Into the heart, you get some strong black tea herbaceous tones. The heather detected earlier is still present and this takes away the harshness of the black tea.
While the palate is not overwhelmingly complex, there is a clear evolution of flavor. The texture is smooth and heavy on the palate but not too heavy, and the aged element of the malt is quite evident.
The finish is long for a blend though it is not too long. Notes of vanilla detected in the nose are also present here, along with some acacia honey and walnut that adds a pleasurable warm nuttiness to the overall finish.
05:40 Overall Experience
The bottle of this Chivas Regal 12 is distinctive with its classic label. The cork is slightly disappointing mainly because there isn't one - this bottle is a screw top with a plastic cap. On the packaging - this bottle usually comes in a metal tin but, given that this was a special set, it came in a box with the two Chivas glasses.
In the USA, this Chival Regal 12 Blended Scotch generally sells for $46 which is kind of pricey. In France (and likely other parts of Europe) it can be purchased for around $30. This latter price puts it in the range of a 10-year Laphroaig.
In terms of occasion, this Chivas 12 blended whisky is a premium blend, so you're going to want to bring it out in more formal gatherings.
07:45 Cocktails & Pairings
This Chivas would likely pair nicely with seafood such as sea bass, scallops, and even smoked trout or salmon. In the wintertime, the peat of the Chivas could be complemented with roasted chestnuts.
If pairing with a cigar, the Chivas Regal 12 Year Whisky would go well with an Ashton Heritage Double Corona. The balanced flavor of the Ashton would go well with the character and flavor of the Chivas. Otherwise, you could try a Habano wrapper cigar or other sun-grown types. A Connecticut such as the J.C. Newman BrickHouse Double Connecticut likewise comes to mind as a favorable companion for this Chivas Whisky.
Already tried Chivas Regal 12 Scotch Whisky or have any questions? Leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts!
CONNECT:
Web: BespokeUnit.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/BespokeUnit
Facebook: Facebook.com/BespokeUnit
Twitter: Twitter.com/BespokeUnit
Subscribe to Newsletter: BespokeUnit.com/newsletter
In this video, Charles-Philippe reviews the famed Chivas Regal 12-Year Blended Scotch Whisky. Learn about this ex-Bourbon cask Scotch whisky as we explore it in detail in this video.
Discover The Liquor Formula & Read The Review:
bespokeunit.com/articles/whisky/chivas-regal-12
Learn about the Bespoke Unit Liquor Formula:
bespokeunit.com/spirits/formula
Read all about Scotch Whisky with our guides:
bespokeunit.com/whisky
00:00 Introduction
The review of this Chivas Regal 12 was conducted with the Bespoke Unit Whisky Matrix, a quantifiable review matrix that you can use at home or quickly refer to if you're in a hurry. The PDF version can be found at the Blog review URL above.
00:32 Overview
Chivas was born in 1801 when James and John Chivas opened their own grocery store in Aberdeen. Yet, it wasn't until 1854 when the Scotch blend was first launched under the Chivas name, and this was done by John and James Chivas' descendants, Stewart and James Jr.
In 1950, when the brand was no longer family-owned, they purchased the Milton Distillery in Speyside and renamed it to Strathisla. Later on, in 2001, the brand was acquired by Pernod Ricard.
The core of the Regal 12 blend comes from the Keith, Speyside distillery, however, there are rumors that the Stratchvlyde distillery in Glasgow contributes to their secret "overall blend." Nevertheless, it is a guarantee that each of the malts in this Regal 12 Year Old is at least that - 12 years old.
This Regal 12 is chill-filtered and aged in ex-Bourbon barrels, though sherry casks may also be involved.
01:46 Robe & Appearance
The robe is an aged amber color, perhaps with some slight caramel. In terms of clarity, it is quite transparent as opposed to other blends which can be slightly hazy. The legs are thin and fast, and there are not many whirls as this whisky is chill-filtered.
02:42 Nose
The nose is intense and prickly though not overly complex. It has a lot of character and rich identity. There are notes of caramel and a crisp red apple. There are also notes of heather and soft vanilla.
03:13 Palate
The primary flavors are quite savory with a slight sweetness. The mouthfeel is creamy and luscious, and it opens into slight spiciness. Nutmeg and creamy hickory can also be detected. Overall, the beginning is a very rounded malt flavor.
Into the heart, you get some strong black tea herbaceous tones. The heather detected earlier is still present and this takes away the harshness of the black tea.
While the palate is not overwhelmingly complex, there is a clear evolution of flavor. The texture is smooth and heavy on the palate but not too heavy, and the aged element of the malt is quite evident.
The finish is long for a blend though it is not too long. Notes of vanilla detected in the nose are also present here, along with some acacia honey and walnut that adds a pleasurable warm nuttiness to the overall finish.
05:40 Overall Experience
The bottle of this Chivas Regal 12 is distinctive with its classic label. The cork is slightly disappointing mainly because there isn't one - this bottle is a screw top with a plastic cap. On the packaging - this bottle usually comes in a metal tin but, given that this was a special set, it came in a box with the two Chivas glasses.
In the USA, this Chival Regal 12 Blended Scotch generally sells for $46 which is kind of pricey. In France (and likely other parts of Europe) it can be purchased for around $30. This latter price puts it in the range of a 10-year Laphroaig.
In terms of occasion, this Chivas 12 blended whisky is a premium blend, so you're going to want to bring it out in more formal gatherings.
07:45 Cocktails & Pairings
This Chivas would likely pair nicely with seafood such as sea bass, scallops, and even smoked trout or salmon. In the wintertime, the peat of the Chivas could be complemented with roasted chestnuts.
If pairing with a cigar, the Chivas Regal 12 Year Whisky would go well with an Ashton Heritage Double Corona. The balanced flavor of the Ashton would go well with the character and flavor of the Chivas. Otherwise, you could try a Habano wrapper cigar or other sun-grown types. A Connecticut such as the J.C. Newman BrickHouse Double Connecticut likewise comes to mind as a favorable companion for this Chivas Whisky.
Already tried Chivas Regal 12 Scotch Whisky or have any questions? Leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts!
CONNECT:
Web: BespokeUnit.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/BespokeUnit
Facebook: Facebook.com/BespokeUnit
Twitter: Twitter.com/BespokeUnit
Subscribe to Newsletter: BespokeUnit.com/newsletter
