Chivas Regal 12yo (40.0%): The second whisky of our blend project is Chivas 12. Although Chivas Regal blends are known as luxury blends all over the world because of their consistent and successful advertising campaigns throughout the decades you can actually get a bottle of Chivas 12yo around $30 - $40 in US. It is also a very common blend you can come across in almost every bar especially in Europe. Color: Clear flawless amber, like a nicely polished copper coin. Nose: Milk chocolate, honey and some sea spray. Am I really getting some Scapa nose here or is it just a manipulated guess? Very gentle, fruity and light. Subtle smoke, spearmint, gummi bears and peaches. Way less offensive than some other entry level blends. No young spirit burn at all, very calm. Water brought up some grain whisky and cereal aromas which were missing in the mix. Palate: Thin and light. Mint leaves, vanilla, Flan Catalan, zante currants, roasted peeled almonds and oatmeal cookies. A few drops of water add some pleasant eucalyptus, sea salt and orange blossom honey notes. Finish: Short(ish) with white pepper and more eucalyptus notes. Overall: I think no one can argue that it is a pretty impressive whisky in its own league. As far as I am concerned it beats Dewars White Label in this price range. Again it doesn't have any quality to make it special or unforgettable but it is a very smooth, easy going and light dram. It would definitely benefit from a slightly higher abv level. So... As now Chivas 12yo is our leading blend in the blend project. I have to admit that this series is being more fun than I thought it is going to be. Cannot wait for the next one...
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