Is Chivas Regal Good? A Detailed Look at 7 of Their Whiskies

Chivas Regal is a well-known blended Scotch whisky brand produced by the Chivas Brothers. 

It is part of Pernod Ricard’s portfolio. Its blends are built from multiple single malt and grain whiskies, matured in oak casks, and mixed to create a consistent flavour profile. 

Chivas Regal offers a wide range of whiskies, each with a special flavor profile. In this review, we’ll cover seven bottles and at the end, you’ll get an overall verdict: is Chivas Regal good? You’ll also get to know which one might be right for you, and where you can order them or visit in person if you are in Lagos.

7 Chivas Regal Whiskies

Before we jump into the bottles, let’s talk a bit more about the brand. Chivas Regal has been around since the mid-1800s, pioneered by the Chivas brothers in Aberdeen, Scotland. Their goal was to create a smooth, rich, and high-quality blended whisky when most of the stuff on the market was rough and unrefined.

A “blended Scotch whisky” is a mix of different whiskies: single malt (made from malted barley at one distillery) and single grain (made from various grains at one distillery). Chivas Master Blender takes the best of these, mixes them like an artist, and the result is a consistent, balanced, and complex flavor every time.

What sets Chivas apart is its focus on Speyside single malt whisky, especially from the famous Strathisla distillery, which is the heart and soul of every Chivas blend. This gives their whiskies that signature fruity, floral, and honeyed sweetness that people all over the world love.

Now, let's check out seven key expressions from the Chivas Regal family, starting with the one you've probably seen everywhere and moving up to the most exclusive blends.

1. Chivas Regal 12 Year Old

The Chivas Regal 12-Year-Old is the entry point for many into the world of Scotch whisky, and for good reason. It's a classic, accessible blended Scotch whisky aged for a minimum of 12 years.

• The Vibe: Think of it as your dependable best friend in the whisky world. It's smooth, easy to drink, and perfect for any setting.

• What it Tastes Like: It’s known for a generous, rich mix of flavors. You'll find honey and vanilla sweetness, alongside ripe apple and pear notes. There's a slight touch of oak and a creamy, smooth finish.

• Best Way to Drink: This whisky is incredibly versatile. It’s lovely neat (on its own), on the rocks (with ice), or as the perfect base for a classic highball or a simple whisky cocktail. If you want a smooth, solid Scotch that won't break the bank, this is a fantastic choice.

  
  

2. Chivas Regal XV 15 Years 

The Chivas Regal XV stands out because it adds a special touch to the blending process: a finish in Cognac casks. It's a  15-year-old blended Scotch whisky that is selectively finished in French Grande Champagne Cognac casks.

• The Vibe: It’s all about celebration and luxury. The Cognac cask finish adds an extra layer of richness and sweetness, making it feel more opulent.

• What it Tastes Like: The influence of the Cognac casks is clear, adding deep, fruity flavors like stewed apples and homemade orange marmalade. It’s incredibly velvety and smooth, with notes of cinnamon, honey, and a hint of warm butterscotch.

• Best Way to Drink: Chivas specifically designed this blend to be an upgrade to your celebratory drinks. It shines in cocktails but is also delicious when sipped neat, especially after dinner. The richness makes it a great substitute for a dessert wine.

  
  

3. Chivas Royal Salute 21 Years 

Royal Salute is actually a completely separate, ultra-premium line created by Chivas Brothers in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. It’s bottled in a distinct porcelain flagon (often blue, green, or red).

• The Vibe: Pure royalty and prestige. This is a whisky that commands respect, often gifted for major life milestones like weddings or big promotions.

• What it Tastes Like: It’s a beautifully balanced and powerful whisky. The nose is full of sweet pears, autumn flowers, and citrus. On the palate, you find orange marmalade, fresh pears, and a hint of hazelnuts and bold spices. It’s incredibly silky and elegant.

• Best Way to Drink: Due to its age and stature, this whisky is best enjoyed neat in a fine glass, allowing you to slowly enjoy its rich, elegant character.

  
  

4. Chivas Regal 18 Year Old

The Chivas Regal 18 Year Old is a step up in complexity, created personally by Master Blender Colin Scott. This blend is famous for its depth, often boasting over 85 different flavor notes. It’s a highly-regarded, rich, and multi-layered blended Scotch whisky aged for a minimum of 18 years.

• The Vibe: This is your special occasion drink. It feels mature, complex, and incredibly rewarding. It has won many major awards, so you know you're holding something premium.

• What it Tastes Like: It’s richly indulgent with dried fruits (raisins, sultanas), dark chocolate, and buttery toffee. You'll also find warm winter spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a long, warm, and comforting finish.

• Best Way to Drink: To fully appreciate the 18-year-old's complexity, it’s best enjoyed neat or with a very small splash of water to open up those 85+ flavor notes. 

  
  

5. Chivas Regal The Icon

This is where Chivas enters the realm of ultra-luxury for the serious collector. The Icon is one of the rarest whiskies ever released by Chivas. It’s a blend of over 20 of Scotland’s rarest single malt whiskies, some from "ghost distilleries" that no longer exist. It’s housed in a stunning, handcrafted crystal decanter.

• The Vibe: This is a whisky steeped in history, only released in very limited quantities each year.

• What it Tastes Like: As you’d expect, the flavor is intense and luxurious. It boasts deep, rich notes of runny honey, ripe peaches, dark chocolate, and orange fondant cream. It’s full-bodied and leads to an incredibly long, sweet, and complex finish, with an unmistakable hint of hazelnut.

• Best Way to Drink: Only neat. This is a whisky to be treated with the utmost reverence, savored over a very long time.

  
  

6. Chivas Regal Mizunara

Mizunara is an expression that celebrates the connection between Scotland and Japan. It’s a blended Scotch whisky that is selectively finished in rare Japanese Mizunara oak casks.

• The Vibe: A meeting of two great whisky cultures; Scottish and Japanese. It’s unique and aromatic.

• What it Tastes Like: The Mizunara oak is famous for giving whiskies a distinctive, spicy flavor. You’ll find rich pear and orange notes on the nose. The taste is smooth with honey sweetness and a trace of hazelnut, leading to a distinctive, delicate spice and a subtle floral note on the finish.

• Best Way to Drink: While good neat, this blend is fantastic in a Highball. The spice and citrus notes work perfectly with soda water and a twist of orange.

  
  

7. Chivas Regal Ultis XX

Ultis XX is a relatively newer, high-end expression that puts a spotlight on the power of five. It’s a 20-year-old blended Scotch whisky that is created using a blend of five of Chivas’s most precious and rare single malts, married with their signature single grain. The "XX" stands for 20 years.

• The Vibe: Bold, intense, and a tribute to the five Master Blenders who have safeguarded the Chivas style over the years.

• What it Tastes Like: Being a 20-year-old blend, it is deeply complex. It offers rich dried fruits, dark chocolate, and honey, rounded out with a smooth, elegant, and long finish that has a subtle spice. It’s an elevated, full-flavored experience.

• Best Way to Drink: Like the 18-year-old, this is best enjoyed neat or with a drop of water to fully unlock its intense, 20-year-aged flavor profile.

Is Chivas Regal good? 

So, back to our original question: Is Chivas Regal good? Absolutely. Chivas Regal is more than just good. It is a benchmark for quality blended Scotch whisky. It consistently delivers a smooth, rich, and balanced flavor profile across its entire range.

• If you are looking for a reliable, smooth, and sweet everyday dram, the Chivas 12 is excellent

• If you want to step up the complexity and richness for a celebratory moment, the Chivas 18 or XV 15 Years are outstanding

• And if you are looking for a true luxury experience that represents the pinnacle of blending, the Royal Salute 21and The Icon are world-class whiskies that stand with the best

Where to Find Chivas Regal in Lagos, Nigeria 

Chivas Regal is a brand that has maintained its quality and heritage for centuries while still being innovative (like with the Mizunara) and accessible. It offers smooth, flavour-rich whiskies that suit different budgets and occasions.

Whether you're looking for the classic 12-Year-Old, the celebratory XV, or a prestigious bottle like the 18-Year-Old, you can find these and a huge selection of other premium alcohol drinks that fit your budget and tasting style at LiquorETC.

Order drinks online in Nigeria or visit the physical store at Matis Brass, 27 Castle Rock Avenue, Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria to get your next favorite bottle.