Chivas Regal has been blending whisky for more than a century, with a range that stretches from the familiar 12-year-old to ultra-rare bottles costing thousands. But which one stands out?
We looked at expert reviews alongside Chivas’ own notes to compare six expressions: 12, XV, 18, 25, Ultis XX, and The Icon.
Chivas Regal 12 Year Old
The whisky that built the brand’s reputation. Aged at least 12 years with Strathisla at its core, bottled at 40% ABV, and priced around £25 in the UK or $30–35 in the U.S.
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Notes highlight honey, vanilla, hazelnut, and orchard fruits. Whisky Advocate (88 points) praised “rich, layered” aromas of honey, caramel, apple, and pear with citrus and vanilla on the palate. Wine Enthusiast rated it 93, calling it soft and approachable. The Whiskey Wash’s Jordan Felix deemed it “a more than solid introductory sipper.”
Not the most complex, but critics agree it’s balanced and dependable, making it an ideal entry to the Chivas style.
Chivas Regal XV
A 15-year-old blend selectively finished in cognac casks, giving extra richness and fruit. Bottled at 40% ABV, it costs £45 in the UK or $45–55 in the U.S.
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READ THE STORYExpect stewed apples, orange marmalade, poached pears, and butterscotch. Whisky Advocate scored it 92, praising “velvety smooth” layers of cognac influence. Spirits Review (8/10) recommended it as a gateway scotch for those avoiding heavy peat.
For fans of sweeter, fruit-driven whiskies, XV is sophisticated yet approachable.
Chivas Regal 18 Year Old
Often seen as the sweet spot. Every component is at least 18 years old, with Master Blender Colin Scott once claiming it offers 85 flavor notes. Bottled at 40% ABV, it sells for £70 in the UK or about $80 in the U.S.
Official notes include dried fruits, toffee, dark chocolate, and gentle smoke. Whisky Advocate (92 points) called it “effortlessly smooth and delicate.” Reviewer Jonny McCormick praised flavours of fudge, leather, raisin, and tobacco. Our very own Charles Steele rated it 8/10, describing it as “like drinking a cloud.”
Critics highlight its balance of depth, smoothness, and value. As such, many see it as the range’s standout.
Chivas Regal Ultis XX
Chivas’ first blended malt, launched in 2016 and reimagined in 2023 as Ultis XX, a 20-year-old blend of five Speyside malts with Strathclyde grain whisky. Bottled at 40% ABV, priced at £150 in the UK or $180–200 in the U.S.
Chivas notes red apples, raspberry jam, vanilla, and butter toffee, with a sweet palate of honey, chocolate, poached pears, and citrus. Whisky Advocate scored the original Ultis 96, calling it “heavenly.” Quill & Pad’s Ken Gargett described XX as “balanced, mellow, complex and ever so long.”
Ultis XX is widely regarded as one of Chivas’ most sophisticated creations.
Chivas Regal 25 Year Old
The first luxury scotch when it launched in 1909, later revived in 2007. All components are at least 25 years old. Bottled at 40% ABV, it sells for £300 in the UK or $400 in the U.S.
Expect aromas of orange, peach, marzipan, and nuts, with chocolate orange and creaminess on the palate. Whisky Advocate awarded 94 points, while Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (95 points) named it Scotch Blend of the Year in 2010.
Chivas 25 is admired for elegance and legacy. This whisky is less about value and more about heritage.
Chivas Regal The Icon
The pinnacle of the range, launched in 2015. Built from over 20 rare malts, including some from closed distilleries, and bottled at 43% ABV. Presented in Dartington Crystal decanters, priced at £2,500–3,000 in the UK or $3,500–4,000 in the U.S.
Notes include honey, pears, chocolate, orange, peaches, vanilla, and hazelnut, with a long, luscious finish. Critics describe it as a showcase of blending at the highest level. Cocktails & Bars called it “a luxury blend to the discerning whisky connoisseur and collector.”
A prestige bottle, designed as much for collectors as for drinkers.
The Verdict
Every whisky drinker will have their own idea of what makes a Chivas Regal the best. Some will lean toward the luxury of the 25 or the rare depth of Ultis XX. Others might admire the prestige of The Icon.
In our view, the Chivas Regal 18 stands out. It offers complexity and refinement without slipping into collector-only pricing. At around £70 or $80, it still feels premium but remains within reach for the everyday drinker. That balance of quality and value makes it a winner.
What about you? Share your favorite Chivas Regal expression in the comments. We’d love to hear which one you think deserves the top spot.
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