Chivas Regal 12 yr Whiskey 750ml

Chivas Brothers began as a grocery and wine merchant business in Aberdeen, founded by William Edward in 1801. James Chivas joined as an assistant in 1836 and eventually took over the shop, later partnering with his brother John in 1857 to form the firm that still bears their name. The Chivas Regal blend itself launched in 1909, aimed at the American luxury market, and was relaunched as a 12-year-old expression in 1939 to help preserve dwindling stocks during the Second World War. The brand's spiritual home is Strathisla distillery in Keith, Speyside, the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands, which Chivas Brothers acquired in 1950. Chivas Regal is now part of Pernod Ricard's portfolio.

The 12-year blend combines dozens of single malt and grain whiskies, all matured for a minimum of twelve years, with Strathisla forming the heart of the recipe alongside other Speyside malts such as Longmorn and Glenlivet. Strathclyde distillery supplies much of the grain component. Production follows traditional methods, with barley milled, mashed with local spring water, and distilled in copper pot stills before the mature whiskies are married together ahead of bottling at 40% alcohol by volume.

The nose offers honeyed sweetness with ripe apple and a light sherried fruitiness. On the palate, that honey and vanilla core continues, joined by baking spice, orchard fruit, and a subtle nuttiness, all carried on a smooth, rounded texture. The finish is soft and lingering, closing on gentle spice and a final trace of dried fruit. It suits sipping neat as readily as a simple highball.