In the world of premium whisky, few names shine as brightly as Chivas Regal and Johnnie Walker Black Label. These 12 year old classics share a common origin, originating in grocery stores, and have garnered devoted followings worldwide. Today, I explore Chivas Regal 12 vs Johnnie Walker Black Label whiskies in the latest instalment of my comparison series.
This blog post is the next instalment of my comparison series. I have looked at quite a few comparisons this year, and it always amazes me how the differences stand out when you taste whiskies side by side. The top read comparison post this year has been the Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve bourbon.
Today focuses on two iconic Scottish blends that have stood the test of time.
Chivas Regal 12 year old Whisky
Chivas Regal, a name steeped in tradition and nostalgia, traces its roots back to 1801 when a grocery store opened in Aberdeen. Catering to an affluent clientele, this establishment had a cellar that would become the birthplace of a blending tradition that would endure for centuries.
In the early 1900s, Chivas Brothers crafted a unique blend for export to the USA, ultimately named Chivas Regal. However, production faced interruptions due to prohibition and World War 2.
When the dust settled, Chivas Regal was reintroduced as the Chivas Regal 12 year old blended Scotch whisky. Over time it solidified its place in the pantheon of Scotch whiskies. The Strathilsa distillery serves as the spiritual home of Chivas, with a blend composed of various malt and grain whiskies, with a particular emphasis on Speyside releases.
Also Read: Maker’s Mark vs Woodford Reserve
Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky
Since 1909, Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky has consistently ranked among the best-selling whiskies globally. Renowned for its unwavering flavour profile and affordable pricing, this classic also traces its origins to a grocery store.
Now celebrating its 110th year, Johnnie Walker is one of the most widely distributed Scotch whisky brands globally. John Walker’s journey began in a grocery store, where he managed the wine and spirits segment. As whisky regulations relaxed, he embarked on blending and selling a variety of whiskies, ultimately labelling them with his own name.
However, his son and grandson truly transformed the brand into the iconic name we recognize today. Johnnie Walker Black Label is a blend of whiskies hailing from all corners of Scotland, from the smoky Islands to the sweeter Speyside, and featuring some Highland malts, all aged for at least 12 years.
Also Read: Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra whisky
Chivas 12 vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky
| Chivas Regal 12 yo whisky | Johnnie Walker Black Label |
|
|---|---|---|
| Type | Blended Whisky | Blended Whisky |
| ABV | 43% | 43% |
| Colour | Golden wheat with hints of mahogany | Deep polished amber |
| Nose | Sweet with notes of fresh fruity and cherries, custard, fresh cut flowers and faint hint of dry wood. There is a green freshness on the nose that blend with hints of cinnamon and vanilla. | Faint smoke, red berries and tropical fruit, Christmas pudding with heaps of vanilla toffee and winter spice. |
| Palate | Toasted oak, spice, malt and heaps of berry sweetness balanced with green notes. Water softens the spicy notes and brings out more creamy toffee and malt. | Smooth and rich with smoke and peat perfectly balanced with fruit, citrus flowers, oak and malt. A creamy toffee sweetness with hints of spice and cereal. You don't even need to add water, but water releases a bit more sweetness. |
| Finish | Medium length that ends in notes of pepper spice and lemon rind with hints of sweetness. | Awesome. Long and rewarding balanced between fruity sweetness, smoke, citrus peel, vanilla and warming pepper spice. |
| My Rating | Very Good | Divine |
| Comments | It is a smooth, easy drinking medium bodied dram. | Rich and rewarding. Full bodied. |
| Price | $37 | $40 |
| Pairs well with | Hazelnut chocolates, fresh tropical fruit, coconut, tuna and chicken satay. | A cheese platter or roasted pork. |
In the face-off between these two whisky titans, Chivas Regal 12 and Johnnie Walker Black Label prove their mettle as enduring classics. While personal preference may sway towards one or the other, there’s no denying the distinct character of each.
The Chivas Regal 12 year old whisky stands tall, boasting bold flavours and a rich history that harks back to its grocery store origins. It is known for its fruity sweetness balanced with toasted oak, malt and toffee notes. Spices, red berries and hints of green mingles with black pepper and lemon. Smooth and easy drinking, this blend offers consistent flavour.
On the other hand, the Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky offers a harmonious blend with a touch of peaty smokiness, making it a perennial favourite. Creamy toffee, oak, cereal and spices stand next to the peat in a perfect balance. Hints of vanilla and Christmas pudding mixed with pepper. Big and bold with a long finish.
The Black Label offers a bolder experience. The peat, toffee sweetness and spices complement each other perfectly. It is well-balanced and inviting. The Chivas Regal is softer with a more fruity sweetness and warming toasted oak notes that offer a smooth, more gentle experience. Perfect for someone who prefers a more fruit-forward drink.
There is a spot in my drinks cabinet for both these drams. In tribute to tradition and sentiment, a bottle of Chivas Regal 12 year old whisky will always have a place on my shelves, alongside the ever-enticing Johnnie Walker Black Label. Cheers to these two great classics!
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Resist the temptation to call Nancy. Indeed if the idea crosses your mind, put the bottle back for another occasion. I used to be a JWR fan, never saw the need to pay extra for the black. I don’t know if the vintage is exceptional at the moment but JWB has never been this good, it’s easily my favourite drink at the moment. I have it with Blood Orange Fever Tree Soda,, or just Soda. It needs something, even just water and I fill the whole glass, no ice.
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Cheers Wayne! With my favourite Jonny Walker Black. It’s better not to find out how Nancy is doing it makes the memories sweeter!
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I was just gifted a bottle of Chivas 12…the last time I tasted this brand was in 1962 at a college party with a very attractive young woman that ended in a delicious evening.
Now at pushing 80 the evening and the Scotch I was gifted brought back that eons old evening.
As one who usually enjoys single malts I found this Chivas 12 a delightful experience. Fruity nicely balanced and quite nice in every way delicious and a nice change…I wonder how Nancy is doing after all these years?
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