When it comes to whisky, few names evoke the same sense of timeless sophistication as Chivas Regal. This renowned brand has been synonymous with exquisite whisky experiences for generations, and today, I will dive into a captivating comparison between two of its releases: Chivas Regal 12 vs Chivas Extra blended Scotch whisky.
Before we delve into the delightful showdown between these two whiskies, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich heritage of the Chivas Brothers. Their story dates back to 1801, with the opening of a high-end grocery store in Aberdeen.
At this emporium, they catered to an affluent clientele, offering an array of luxury products like coffee, spices, and imported French brandy. In the cellar beneath this store, the brothers embarked on a tradition of blending and ageing whiskies, setting the stage for Chivas Regal’s legacy.
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In response to their patrons’ demand for smoother, more decadent whisky, the brothers crafted their first proprietary blend, known as Royal Glen Dee. Another blend, Royal Strathythan, soon followed this. As the demand continued to soar, the brothers made a strategic move by acquiring the Strathisla distillery in Moray, Speyside.
Strathisla remains one of the key components of the Chivas Regal blend and stands as the spiritual home of this iconic brand. Notably, Strathisla Distillery is the oldest continuously operating distillery in Scotland, with its roots tracing back to 1786.
The Chivas Regal brand is part of the Pernod Ricard group.
Chivas Brothers’ journey took them across the Atlantic as they created a whisky blend for export to the USA during the early 1900s. This whisky bore the name Chivas Regal. However, the production faced disruptions due to Prohibition and World War II.
After these turbulent times, Chivas Regal returned as Chivas Regal 12 year old blended whisky. Chivas Regal 12 year old Scotch is a blend of various malt and grain whiskies, each matured for a minimum of 12 years.
In 2014, Chivas introduced a new whisky to their portfolio, the Chivas Regal Extra blended Scotch whisky. This creation gracefully bridges the gap between the Chivas 12 year old and the Chivas 18 year old.
Chivas Extra distinguishes itself with the absence of an age statement. What sets it apart is a slightly higher percentage of sherry cask-aged whisky in the blend.
| Chivas Regal 12 yo | Chivas Regal Extra whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Blended Whisky | Blended Whisky |
| ABV | 43% | 43% |
| Colour | Golden wheat | Dark caramel with red tints |
| Nose | Sweet with notes of fresh red fruit, custard, fresh-cut flowers and hints of dry wood. There is a green freshness on the nose that blend with hints of cinnamon and vanilla. | Fruity sweetness mixed with cherries, pears, warming nutmeg and caramel. Not overly sweet, but delicate and fresh. |
| 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. Medium body. | Medium bodied whisky with notes of pears and cinnamon mixed with cherries, hints of dry oak and caramel. Not overly sweet and water softens and smooths out the dram. |
| Finish | Medium length that ends in notes of pepper spice and lemon rind with hints of fruity sweetness. | Fruity sweetness with hints of spice. |
| My Rating | Very Good | Very Good |
| Price | $37 | $43 |
| Pairs well with | Hazelnut chocolates, fresh tropical fruit, coconut, tuna and chicken satay. | Salami, smoked nuts, Parmesan Cheese, Caramelized apples. |
When it comes to flavour, the Chivas 12 year old offers enticing notes of red fruit, fresh flowers, and toasted oak, with a well-balanced infusion of spices and creamy toffee.
In contrast, Chivas Extra showcases delightful flavours of cherries, pears, caramel, and dry oak, accented by subtle hints of spice.
The true magic unfolds when you taste these two side by side. Chivas Regal Extra’s sherry influence becomes notably pronounced, resulting in a smoother and more delicate profile. On the other hand, Chivas 12 boasts a spicier character, a more complex nose, and a longer finish, making it a favourite among many.
I took to Twitter to gauge the preferences of fellow whisky enthusiasts, and the overwhelming consensus favoured the Chivas 12 year old whisky, a sentiment shared by John as well.
Personally, I found myself captivated by the Chivas Extra, with its softer, sweeter, and more delicate notes. It provided the perfect warmth and comfort on a rainy afternoon.
As a parting thought, it’s worth mentioning that Chivas Regal has also expanded its lineup with Chivas XV blended whisky. Stay tuned as I plan to compare these three exceptional releases in the coming months.
Until then, savour the elegance and complexity of Chivas Regal’s offerings, a testament to the enduring legacy of this esteemed brand.
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