Chivas Regal 12 Year Old Premium Scotch Whiskey
40% ABV/80 Proof
$20 -$25
Widely Available
What the Distillery Says:
Chivas Regal 12 year old is an expression of a unique tradition that has continued unbroken since the Chivas Brothers first introduced the world to the rich, smooth Scotch whisky of Chivas Regal.
Colour: Radiant, warm amber.
Nose: An aromatic infusion of wild herbs, heather, honey, and orchard fruits.
Taste: Round and creamy on the palate, Chivas 12 bursts with the rich taste or ripe, honeyed apples, and notes of vanilla, hazelnut, and butterscotch.
Finish: Enjoy the lingering finish.
What Richard Says:
Nose: Floral notes of fresh cut flowers and orange blossoms with a sweetness of honeysuckle. It’s very buttery with only very light traces of wood.
Palate: The palate isn’t quite as impressive as the nose. The citrusy sweetneess of the nose is nonexistent on the palate. Hints of vanilla and wood. Not necessarily oak but still woody.
Finish: Very smooth finish. It leaves the mouth very woody but with more oak now. The mouth is left almost peppery before the finish is done.
Comments: Chivas is another staple of blended scotch. It’s readily available and offers a nice alternative to Johnnie Walker Black Label.
Rating: Average
What Matt Says:
Nose: Shortbread cookies, vanilla, citrus, floral, creme brulee and traces of dark chocolate and overripe berries.
Palate: Pretty straight forward; oak, caramel, and citrus
Finish: Burny and citrusy (not real words I know).
Comments: Nothing terribly offensive here, but nothing special. I’m not sure this counts as a Gateway dram. I would definitely choose this over Johnnie Walker Red or Black. Probably my favorite of the Gateway blends (although a recent encounter with Dewar’s White Label may be converting me).
Rating: Average
Overall Rating: Average
Matt old buddy, you gave Dewar’s White Label a “Probably Pass” back in June. What’s made you change course?
At the office Xmas party this year, the bar’s idea of “top shelf” was Dewar’s White Label. I actually rather enjoyed it for what it was. I’m not going to keep a bottle in my house, mind. But if it’s all there is to drink, it beats a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. I like the Chivas better, but none of the blends I keep around are ubiquitous enough to be considered for the Gateways Series. I think the Gateway blends are really best suited to situations where there is plenty of distraction. You know, office parties, weddings, casinos, strip clubs, etc.