Name: Chivas Regal 12 Year Old Blended Scotch

ABV: 40%

Proof: 80%

Notes: Lighter and more translucent than any bourbon, this faintly golden Scotch whisky had long legs that fell gently along the glass. The nose was smooth allowing me to inhale deeply without any burn. Honey, vanilla, and wood caught my attention while peat was more of an afterthought. There was also something floral or grassy about the aroma that immediately transported me to the links golf courses of Scotland. Although the precise quality escaped me, I later learned from the tasting notes of the Chivas Master Blender that this was due to the scent of heather on the nose. The mouthfeel was smooth, thin, and somewhat creamy. On the palate, I experienced vanilla, honey, and toffee with a touch of apples and minimal peat. The finish was very smooth but short.

Overall, I enjoyed the flavor profile and smoothness of the Chivas 12 Years. Unfortunately, it struck me as somewhat bland. I added a touch of water toward the end hoping it would enliven the flavor profile, but that didn’t help. Trying to distinguish flavors in this blend reminded me of attempting to identify a song that can barely be heard in a busy restaurant.

The most outstanding quality of this whisky was its drinkability. It was exceedingly smooth (perhaps at the expense of its flavors), which probably explains why it is one of the top selling Scotch whiskies in the US and the world. This is a Scotch that would probably be preferred by someone new to Scotch or by those who do not like much bite in their whisky. Other selling points include a price tag around $30 and packaging in collectible tins.