Review: Chivas Regal 18 Years Old
You don’t have to drop $100,000 on an enormous seven-foot sculpture to get a bottle of Chivas 18: You can buy it, sans artwork, straight up.
Chivas, a bit of a grande dame in the whisky world, is far from the shoddy, workday blend common with lesser blends. Particularly at older ages — including this 18-year-old blend that includes 20 single malts — Chivas can be as regal as its name indicates.
This whisky features an easy, classic nose reminiscent of unsherried Speyside whisky. The malt character is clear as a bell, with some gentle heather notes wafting behind.
On the palate, the grain notes speak loudest. Lots of malted barley, honey, hazelnuts and walnuts, and a touch of chocolate. It comes across as a bit hotter than its proof level would hint at — common for blended whiskeys — but the finish is smooth, simple, and almost refreshing. A touch more complex than your typical blended Scotch, but nothing that will knock your kilt off.
80 proof.
B+ / $75 / chivas.com [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS] [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
Chivas Regal 18 Years Old
$75
I wasn’t recently gifted a bottle of Chivas 18. And it’s been…ten years? Probably more since I’ve tried it.
They definitely changed the blend.
I remember my last experience aligning largely with Chris’ tasting notes. This gifted bottle is more well rounded. The classic old Highland flavors are all there, but there is now more of a peat smoke/ash and brine character to it. Something from the coastal highlands or islands must have made it into the blend.
I actually like the newer expression quite a bit.