Radiant and warm amber in colour, the Chivas is a blend of a multitude of different malt and grain Scotch whiskies, matured for at least 12 years. of the water used in the distilleries is returned to the source it came from as cooling water. That's 9 billion litres saved every year! Smooth, rich, and generous are the perfect three words to describe a Chivas Regal 12 Years whisky. Comprised of malt and grain whiskies that have been aged for a minimum of 12 years, the whisky has notes of vanilla, ripe apple, and honey. CR is what I'd describe as an entry level, inoffensive Scotch. Neither good nor 'bad'. No peat, not harsh, no Sherry sweetness. As tastemakers in the music and drinks industry and with a shared commitment to leaving a legacy, Chivas Regal & Stefflon Don believe the journey to greatness tastes better when achieved together.

With an aromatic infusion of wild herbs, heather, honey and orchard fruits on the nose, the Chivas bursts with the smooth taste of ripe, honeyed apples, with notes of vanilla, hazelnut and butterscotch, creating the generously rich and fruity taste on the palate. Chivas Brothers didn’t remain a family business for long. The last family member in the business James Chivas’ son Alexander died in 1893. Eventually the firm was bought out by master blender Charles Stewart Howard and employee Alexander Smith but they kept the name Chivas Brothers. To tap into the burgeoning market for luxury whiskies especially in America, they came up with a 25 year old blend with a high malt content which they dubbed Chivas Regal. It hit the market in 1909 and has been around ever since in various iterations. In 1936, the firm was bought by Morrison & Lundie and then in 1949 by Seagram. Chivas Brothers became the Scotch whisky arm of the Canadian drinks giant which also owned Strathisla distillery in Speyside so this became a major component of the blends. Seagram set about marketing Chivas Regal energetically especially in North America which following the end of Prohibition and World War II was taking to Scotch whisky enthusiastically. Chivas Regal became popular among the showbiz set with Frank Sinatra said to be a fan.Last night I vigorously shook my bottle of CR12 and left it open by the window for about an hour. I have developed this habit in recent months because it really makes a difference. Whisky needs to be woken up. Now almost all of the harshness is gone and I can taste a hint of single malt. Not much. An extremely ungenerous amount. But I feel I have to change my review to Costco Online UK Limited, UK Home Office, Hartspring Lane, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD25 8JS. Registered in England and Wales No. 8055444

Great blended scotch. As an entry scotch this is fantastic. Light, caramel, slight spice, vanilla, slightly sweet, and a wisp of smoke. Palate: More of those banana chips showing through on the palate, this time there's a creamy hit of barley malt too, pepped up with a little allspice. Notes of ground walnut and caramel. Nose: A creamy, aromatic melange of vanilla custard, hints of aniseed, lemon curd and butter toffee. Wood shavings and dried banana chips develop with just a hint of cassis. In 1843 the company was granted a royal warrant by Queen Victoria. The first of many such royal warrants for the firm. Being in Aberdeen, the biggest city in North East Scotland, the firm was well connected by rail with the distilleries of nearby Speyside and the Lowlands. The firm would buy, age and blend malt and grain whiskies into a consistent product such a Royal Strathythan which was launched in 1863.

Add Chivas 12 into a highball glass, add 100ml of soda, then slowly fill the glass to the top with ice. Add the remaining soda and give it a small stir to make sure it's mixed. Add a little more ice to make sure it's full and compact for best quality, then garnish with orange zest. Overpriced and disappointing" if not actually bad. If I bought this from Lidl for a tenner, I would probably be quite happy. UK Health Departments recommend men do not regularly exceed 3-4 units daily and women, 2-3 units daily