1. Chivas Regal 18
Chivas Regal is a whisky that I used to see in the glasses of adults when I was young. It seemed old-fashioned, so I honestly hesitated to buy it. However, attracted by the prestige of the “18 years” label, I ended up purchasing it in Japan at a reasonable price.
Chivas Regal 18 Years is considered one of the “middle bosses” of the blended whisky world, alongside Johnnie Walker 18 Years and Ballantine’s 17 Years. The packaging is a luxurious blue plastic, more upscale than the typical paper.
Each bottle of Chivas Regal 18 Years features a “Gold signature” label, indicating a blend of over 20 different whiskies, including both malt and grain whiskies. This selection is personally chosen by Master Blender Colin Scott, and his signature is on every bottle.
Chivas Regal 18 won a silver award at an international wine and spirits competition in 2019, a gold in 2020, and another silver in 2021.
2. Chivas Regal
1) Chivas Regal Story
Chivas Regal is a premium blended whisky produced by Chivas Brothers (now part of Pernod Ricard) in Aberdeen, Scotland, since 1909. Only whiskies aged for at least 12 years are used in their products.
They traditionally offered 12, 18, and 25-year variants, but now also produce 13-year, 15-year, Ultis XX, and Icon versions. Their Mizunara cask-finished whisky, using Japanese oak, has been particularly well-received.
The key malts come from Strathisla and The Glenlivet distilleries in Speyside. In an effort to shed its old-fashioned image, Chivas has targeted younger demographics with its marketing. Recently, they have even launched limited editions featuring popular models like Lisa.
2) Tasting Notes
This Whisky has a deep golden color, fitting for its 18-year age statement. Despite the use of colorants being legal in Scotland, this hue seems appropriate. The aroma is a mix of fresh fruitiness, nutty malt, and a hint of peaty smokiness, somewhat reminiscent of the Johnnie Walker series.
Tasting reveals slight sweetness and nuttiness, with citrus flavors like vanilla and orange coming forward, followed by a dominant smokiness. The finish is smooth with a reasonably long aftertaste.
3) Product Information
Product Name: Chivas Regal 18 Years
Country of Origin: Scotland, UK
Food Type: Whisky
Alcohol Content: 40%
Volume: 750ml
3. Overall Review
In conclusion, I understood why it’s considered a steady seller despite its old-fashioned vibe, from the packaging to the strong smoky flavor. However, I think adding a sherry character could enhance its flavor further. This experience has piqued my curiosity about other Chivas Regal products, like the 13-year Sherry or the 12-year variants. Additionally, I’m interested in tasting the popular Mizunara cask edition.
Having not yet tried other Chivas Regal products, I couldn’t pinpoint all the specifics. But the impression I got was that it sits somewhere between the characteristics of Johnnie Walker and Ballantine’s.