Chivas Regal vs Glenlivet | The ultimate verdict on who is best.
Last updated on August 13th, 2024
When it comes to Scotch whisky, Chivas Regal and Glenlivet are two of the most renowned brands. Both have been around for centuries and offer a range of whiskies that span from 12 years old to 25 years old. But which one is better?
That’s what we’re here to find out. In this article, I will compare Chivas Regal vs Glenlivet in terms of their 12 year olds, 15 year olds, 18 year olds and 25 year olds. I’ll examine each whisky’s flavour profile, aroma and finish to determine which is truly superior.
So grab yourself a glass, sit back, relax and let’s get tasting!
Chivas Regal vs Glenlivet: Category winners
Here’s a quick look at the winning categories by age for those of you in a hurry. We’ve also produced a full breakdown and in-depth review of each expression below.
Winner:
Glenlivet 12
Winner:
Glenlivet 15
Winner:
Chivas 18
Winner:
Glenlivet 25
Overall Winner: Glenlivet
Chivas Regal 12 vs Glenlivet 12 year old Comparison
Chivas Regal 12
Nose: A delectable blend of creamy vanilla custard, aniseed, tart lemon curd and buttery toffee create a unique flavour. Hints of wood shavings and dried banana chips are present with a hint of cassis for the perfect finish.
Palate: Upon tasting, a delightful combination of banana chips and creamy barley malt is present, with the allspice adding an extra zip. Complimented by hints of ground walnut and caramel that tantalise the palate.
Mouthfeel: A luxurious, velvety smooth experience.
Finish: Rich notes of celery waft gently from the glass, accompanied by a subtle hint of black pepper. A light spiciness lingers on the finish and leaves behind an inviting sweetness.
Age: 12 years
Cask/Barrels: Undisclosed specific casks, Chivas Regal only state a variety of casks are used
Strength: 80 proof / 40% ABV
Price: £28 / $34
Glenlivet 12
Nose: Savour the sweet and succulent taste of apricot, pineapple, greengages, citrus blossom and toasted teacake.
Palate: Rich in buttery, vanilla flavour yet still bursting with the juicy fruit aromas that first captivated your senses.
Mouthfeel: Buttery and silky smooth
Finish: An alluring combination of oaky spice, malt and a slight tinge of tart apple juice.
Age: 12 years
Cask/Barrels: European and American oak casks
Strength: 80 proof / 40% ABV
Price: £38 / $46
Chivas Regal vs Glenlivet: Flavour Comparison 12 year olds
Chivas Regal 12 is a smooth and luxurious Scotch whisky that offers an exquisite blend of creamy vanilla custard, aniseed, tart lemon curd and buttery toffee notes. The nose of this expression brings forward the sweet vanilla custard aroma complemented by the hints of aniseed and tart lemon curd. The palate opens with a delightful combination of banana chips and creamy barley malt that is amplified by the allspice additions. On the finish, Chivas Regal 12 wraps up with rich notes of celery hinting at black pepper with a light spiciness that leaves behind an inviting sweetness. Chivas Regal 12 is aged for 12 years in undisclosed casks that Chivas Regals states are comprised of various casks types before being bottled at 40% ABV or 80 proof.
Where Chivas Regal 12 year old whisky offers a unique blend of creamy vanilla custard, aniseed, tart lemon curd and buttery toffee notes, the Glenlivet 12-year-old Scotch whisky presents a more vibrant fruity aroma. The nose is filled with sweet and succulent taste of apricot, pineapple, greengages, citrus blossom and toasted teacake. The palate of this expression introduces a rich and buttery vanilla flavour that is complemented by the juicy fruit aromas. On the finish, Glenlivet 12 wraps up with an alluring combination of oaky spice, malt and a slight tinge of tart apple juice for an unforgettable experience. This whisky is aged for 12 years in European and American oak casks before being bottled at 40% ABV or 80 proof.
Chivas Regal 12 is a blended Scotch whisky, an artful combination of multiple single malts and grain whiskies that produces a unique flavour profile. Chivas Regal’s blend experts are dedicated to crafting some of the world’s finest whisky, carefully selecting the right malts and grains to produce Chivas Regal’s signature flavour. Chivas Regal 12 is aged for 12 years in undisclosed casks that Chivas Regals states are comprised of various casks types before being bottled at 40% ABV or 80 proof.
In comparison, Glenlivet 12 is a single malt Scotch whisky made with 100% barley sourced from Scotland’s Speyside region. The philosophy behind Glenlivet is to bring out the full potential of this remarkable malt by allowing it to mingle in aged oak casks that impart complexity and character over time. This whisky is aged for 12 years in European and American oak casks before being bottled at 40% ABV or 80 proof.
Both Chivas Regal 12 and Glenlivet 12 offer unique tasting experiences. Chivas Regal 12 presents a blend of creamy vanilla custard, aniseed, tart lemon curd and buttery toffee notes whereas Glenlivet offers a more vibrant fruity aroma with sweet apricot, pineapple, greengages, citrus blossom and toasted teacake aromas on the nose. Chivas Regal offers a luxurious, velvety smooth experience while the palate of Glenlivet brings forward a rich buttery vanilla flavour complemented by juicy fruit aromas. On the finish Chivas Regal wraps up with rich notes of celery hinting at black pepper with subtle spiciness while Glenlivet wraps up with oaky spice, malt and tart apple juice for an unforgettable experience.
Price comparison
In terms of price comparison Chivas Regal 12 year old whisky is generally more cost effective than the Glenlivet 12 year old. Chivas Regal offers an excellent balance between taste and quality for a reasonable price compared to its competitor.
While Glenlivet provides a more vibrant fruity aroma that can be enjoyed by connoisseurs, Chivas Regal offers great value for money. Ultimately when looking at Chivas Regal vs Glenlivet as far as value for money goes Chivas Regal provides more bang for your buck due to its slightly lower price tag.
Our pick
When it comes to whisky, I choose Glenlivet 12 over Chivas Regal 12. From the nose to the finish, Glenlivet offers an experience that is both vibrant and complex. The nose presents a sweet and succulent offering of apricot, pineapple, greengages, citrus blossom and toasted teacake aromas. On the palate there is a rich buttery vanilla flavour complemented by juicy fruit aromas. The finish is alluring with notes of oaky spice, malt, and tart apple juice for an unforgettable experience.
The whisky has also been aged for 12 years in European and American oak casks which allows all the flavours to meld together into a unique blend of complexity and character. Chivas Regal’s experts strive for their signature flavour but Glenlivet takes this one step further by allowing each single malt its own chance to shine.
Moreover, Chivas Regal may be more cost-effective but when comparing Chivas Regal vs Glenlivet in terms of quality of taste, I definitely prefer Glenlivet due to its more vibrant flavours and unique blending process. For those looking for something special that stands out from the rest, Glenlivet is certainly worth splurging on!
Chivas Regal vs Glenlivet: Flavour Comparison 15 year olds
Chivas Regal XV
Nose: A fruity blend of orange and peach, complemented by a hint of barley sweetness.
Palate: Creamy butterscotch delicately blended with the tartness of red apple and caraway’s slightly sweet yet earthy notes, creates a subtle hint of grain sweetness in the background.
Mouthfeel: Luxurious and silky smooth
Finish: An intense burst of vanilla and pear lingers on the finish.
Age: 15 years
Cask/Barrels: Not all are known but a portion is aged in French oak cognac casks
Strength: 80 proof / 40% ABV
Price: £45 / $55
Glenlivet 15
Nose: Aromas of resin and wood caress the senses, backed by a delicate yet balanced acidity. There are notes of fudge, Madeira and apple crumble with an undertone of calvados to round out the flavour.
Palate: Rich and luscious winter spices, such as cinnamon and cloves, combine with oaky nuances for an intense taste that only becomes more so over time.
Mouthfeel: Rich and creamy
Finish: A flavour profile that starts off with a slow, subtle spiciness and finishes with an unmistakable tang.
Age: 15 years
Cask/Barrels: French Limousin Oak casks. Limousin Oak is a popular choice for the maturation of Cognac.
Strength: 40% ABV or 80 proof
Price: £49 / $59
Flavour Comparison 15 year olds
Chivas Regal XV is a deliciously fruity whisky, offering a unique blend of orange and peach flavours with a hint of barley sweetness. On the nose, Chivas Regal has delicate aromas of sweet orange, peach and apricot that complement one another perfectly. The palate then reveals a smooth buttery vanilla flavour rounded off by juicy fruit notes such as red apple and caraway.
This harmonious combination gives Chivas Regal XV its distinctive character and complexity – an experience that can only be achieved through the careful craftsmanship of Chivas Regal experts.
Furthermore, part of Chivas Regal XV is aged in French oak cognac casks for 15 years, allowing all the flavours to meld together into a unique blend of complexity and character. This extended maturation process creates an exquisite whisky that is luxuriously smooth on the palate and finishes with an intense burst of vanilla and pear on the finish. And also makes for an excellent pairing in champagne cocktails.
Glenlivet 15 is a single malt whisky that has been aged for 15 years in French Limousin Oak casks, which is the same type of oak used for Cognac maturation. This extended ageing process imparts a complex and rich flavour profile that starts with a gentle bouquet of resin and wood and gradually transitions into more intense notes of fudge, Madeira, apple crumble, and calvados.
The whisky has a creamy mouthfeel that perfectly complements the spicy winter notes of cinnamon, cloves and oaky nuances. The flavour then finishes with an unmistakable tang that lingers on the tongue to provide a truly unique taste experience.
Price comparison
The Chivas Regal XV and Glenlivet 15 are both excellent whiskies that offer unique flavour profiles. Chivas Regal XV has a deliciously fruity blend of orange and peach flavours, complemented by hints of barley sweetness, while Glenlivet 15 offers aromas of resin and wood with winter spices such as cinnamon and cloves. Both whiskies have extended maturation processes that help to create their distinctive characters.
When it comes to price, Chivas Regal XV is slightly more affordable than Glenlivet 15 at £44.99/$55 compared to £48.50/$59 respectively. For those looking for whisky on a budget, Chivas Regal XV is the better option in terms of price. However, if you are looking for something special that stands out from the rest then Glenlivet15 is worth splurging on due to its richness and complexity of flavour.
Our pick
Glenlivet 15 is my favourite whisky compared to Chivas Regal XV for a few reasons. Firstly, the extended maturation process of Glenlivet 15 in French Limousin Oak casks imparts a complex and rich flavour profile that you won’t find in Chivas Regal XV. This whisky offers aromas of resin and wood with winter spices such as cinnamon and cloves, whereas Chivas Regal XV has a more fruity blend of orange and peach flavours with hints of barley sweetness.
Furthermore, the mouthfeel of Glenlivet 15 is creamy yet intense, and the finish lingers on the tongue providing a truly unique taste experience that Chivas Regal XV cannot match. The richness of this whisky is also evident from its complexity, which starts off with a slow subtle spiciness before finishing with an unmistakable tang.
Finally, Glenlivet 15 stands out from Chivas Regal XV not just because it is more expensive but also due to its higher quality. While Chivas Regal XV has been aged for 15 years in French oak cognac casks, only part of it has undergone maturation in this type of cask which means it does not have the same depth or richness as Glenlivet 15. Therefore if you are looking for something special then Glenlivet 15 should be your top pick due to its unique flavour and higher quality.
Chivas Regal 18 vs Glenlivet 18 year old Comparison
Chivas Regal 18
Nose: The nose is a pleasant medley of marmalade, malt, custard, coconut ice and nutmeg aromas.
Palate: Invigorate your tastebuds with winter spices, malt, barley and a hint of Seville orange marmalade finishing off with flavours of oak.
Mouthfeel: Although a bit thin for its calibre, this product remains exceptionally smooth.
Finish: The finish is fiery and robust, with a hint of oak and cinnamon.
Age: 18 years
Cask/Barrels: not disclosed
Strength: 80 proof / 40% ABV
Price: £70 / $85
Glenlivet 18
Nose: This sizeable and comprehensive blend showcases chewy sultanas, Sherried peels, barley sugars, toasty cereals and petals of apple blossom. The undertones reveal a hint of fudge coupled with gentle wisps of smoke.
Palate: Indulge in this luxurious flavour profile, featuring chewy tannins and a hint of Manuka honey with touches of walnut, Cox apples, orange peels and fresh herbs like fennel and spearmint.
Mouthfeel: Indulge in an incredibly robust body and luxuriously creamy texture.
Finish: Robust yet gentle, featuring a lingering, smoky oak finish.
Age: 18 years
Cask/Barrels: matured in a combination of first and second-fill American oak and sherry casks
Strength: 80 proof / 40% ABV
Price: £105 / $128
Chivas Regal 18 vs Glenlivet Flavour Comparison
Chivas Regal 18 and Glenlivet 18 are both 18-year-old whiskies that offer complex and robust flavours. Chivas Regal 18 has aromas of marmalade, coconut ice, malt and nutmeg, while Glenlivet 18 offers chewy sultanas, sherried peels, barley sugars, toasty cereals and apple blossom.
Chivas Regal 18 has a fiery finish with hints of oak and cinnamon while Glenlivet 18 features a lingering smoky oak finish. Chivas Regal 18 is matured in French Oak cognac casks while Glenlivet 18 is matured in a combination of first and second-fill American Oak and sherry casks.
In terms of the taste experience Chivas Regal 18 offers a sweet blend of winter spices with an intensity on the tongue while Glenlivet 18 leans more towards a chewy tannin profile featuring Manuka honey, walnut apples and fresh herbs such as fennel and spearmint.
Chivas Regal’s mouthfeel is smooth but thin for its calibre whereas Glenlivet has an incredibly robust body with a luxuriously creamy texture.
Price Comparison
Chivas Regal 18 is an excellent value for money considering its robust and complex flavour profile. Chivas Regal 18, offers aromas of marmalade, coconut ice, malt and nutmeg. The intensity on the tongue is further complemented with a fiery finish of oak and cinnamon. Furthermore, Chivas Regal 18’s smooth yet thin mouthfeel creates a luxurious experience that can compete with higher priced whiskies.
The price of Chivas Regal 18 is significantly lower than Glenlivet 18 at £69.95/$85 compared to £104.99/$128 respectively. This makes Chivas Regal one of the most cost effective options for those looking to experience a truly unique whisky flavour profile without compromising quality or taste experience.
In conclusion, Chivas Regal is an excellent value for money option in terms of whisky due to its robust flavours, complexity and intensely smooth mouthfeel coupled with its affordable price tag. Chivas Regal offers the perfect balance between quality, complexity and affordability – ideal for those who are looking to savour a unique whisky experience without breaking the bank.
Our Pick
I would choose Chivas Regal 18 over Glenlivet 18 for its robust and complex flavour profile combined with a smooth mouthfeel, all while still being an extremely cost effective option.
In comparison, Glenlivet 18 offers a luxurious flavour profile featuring chewy tannins and Manuka honey along with touches of walnut, apples and fresh herbs. Glenlivet 18 is also matured in a combination of first and second-fill American Oak and sherry casks which contribute to its smoky oak finish. However, Chivas Regal offers an excellent flavour profile for almost half the price tag – £69.95/$85 compared to £104.99/$128 respectively – making Chivas Regal an incredibly cost-efficient option for those looking to experience a truly unique whisky flavour profile without compromising quality or taste experience.
Chivas Regal 25 vs Glenlivet 25 year old Comparison
Chivas Regal 25
Nose: A smooth, velvety brew that bursts with the flavours of malt, berry fruits, liquorice and raspberries. The subtle sweetness of porridge oats adds a comforting depth to this irresistible taste sensation.
Palate: This starts off subtle, with a luscious toffee-like flavour that gradually intensifies. Boiled sweets, aniseed and custard become more prominent as you savour its velvety texture. The buttery finish is truly delectable!
Mouthfeel: soft and rich
Finish: An abrupt, yet earthy taste that lingers with subdued butterscotch.
Age: 25 years
Cask/Barrels: not disclosed
Strength: 80 proof / 40% ABV
Price: £295 / $359
Glenlivet 25
Nose: Delight in the bold flavors of sultanas and morello cherry, a hint of drying herbs, cooked fruits reminiscent of apple crumble, and just enough acidity to balance it all out. And don’t forget that delightful crème de cacao finish! Rich indeed.
Palate: Rich, creamy and luxurious. Enjoy a delightful bouquet of Sherried peels and sultanas along with chewy toffee and walnuts; dried fruits provide an indulgent finish full of luscious flavour.
Mouthfeel: This delightful beverage boasts an indulgently creamy texture, accompanied by a subtle kick of spice that helps to elevate it.
Finish: Abounding with a wintery spice blend, this flavor is truly indulgent.
Age: 25 years
Cask/Barrels: finished in Oloroso sherry casks.
Strength: 86 proof / 43% ABV
Price: £369 / $450
Chivas Regal 25 vs Glenlivet 25 Flavour comparison
Chivas Regal 25 year old offers a nose full of malt, berry fruits, liquorice and raspberries, with a subtle sweetness of porridge oats providing a comforting depth. On the palate it starts off subtle with a luscious toffee-like flavour that gradually intensifies; boiled sweets, aniseed and custard become more prominent as you savour its velvety texture. Chivas Regal 25 year old has an earthy finish with subdued butterscotch notes. The alcohol strength for Chivas Regal 25 is 80 proof / 40% ABV.
In comparison, Glenlivet 25 year old has a bold nose of sultanas and morello cherry with hints of drying herbs and cooked fruits reminiscent of apple crumble. On the palate it provides a rich, creamy and luxurious bouquet of Sherried peels and sultanas along with chewy toffee and walnuts; dried fruits provide an indulgent finish full of luscious flavour. Its mouthfeel is creamy, accompanied by a subtle kick of spice that helps to elevate it. The finish is abounding with wintery spice blend and its alcohol strength is 86 proof / 43% ABV.
Price Comparison
When it comes to price comparisons, Chivas Regal 25 year old offers a great value for money option at £295/$359. In comparison, the Glenlivet 25 years old carries a slightly higher price tag of £369/$450 – making Chivas Regal 25 an excellent cost-efficient alternative for those looking to experience a truly unique whisky flavour profile without compromising quality or taste experience.
Chivas Regal also has an alcohol strength of 80 proof / 40% ABV compared to 86 proof / 43% ABV in the Glenlivet – making Chivas Regal easier on the palate when interpreting and enjoying its complex flavours.
Our Pick
Making the decision between Chivas Regal 25 year old and Glenlivet 25 year old was a very difficult call, as both whiskies offer an incredibly unique and complex flavour profile. Chivas Regal boasts an exquisite nose of malt, berry fruits, liquorice and raspberries, with a subtle sweetness of porridge oats providing a comforting depth.
On the palate it starts off subtle with a luscious toffee-like flavour that gradually intensifies; boiled sweets, aniseed and custard become more prominent as you savour its velvety texture. On the other hand, Glenlivet has a bold nose of sultanas and morello cherry with hints of drying herbs and cooked fruits reminiscent of apple crumble. Its palate provides a rich, creamy and luxurious bouquet of Sherried peels and sultanas along with chewy toffee and walnuts; dried fruits provide an indulgent finish full of luscious flavour.
Ultimately I chose Glenlivet 25 year old as my favourite due to its higher alcohol strength (86 proof/43% ABV) compared to Chivas Regal (80 proof/40% ABV). This makes it easier to enjoy the whisky’s complex flavours without compromising on taste experience. The higher alcohol strength also gives the whisky a more intense flavour which I find incredibly appealing.
Also, the fact that it is finished in Oloroso sherry casks adds an extra layer of complexity in terms of flavour profile – making it truly one-of-a-kind! Although Chivas Regal offers great value for money at £295/$359 per bottle compared to Glenlivet’s price tag at £369/$450 – I believe that nothing can beat this truly indulgent experience offered by the Glenlivet 25 year old expression!
Chivas Regal vs Glenlivet: Overall winner Glenlivet
The Chivas Regal vs Glenlivet comparison was a close call, but ultimately I chose Glenlivet as the winner. When it comes to Chivas Regal, its 12 year old expression is a great starting point for those just beginning to explore whisky. It has light and sweet notes of honey, malted barley and red apples, with a tinge of spice and subtle oak. Chivas Regal 15 year old offers more depth and complexity, with an elegant nose of green apple, citrus and oaty notes followed by a deliciously smooth palate that’s full of honeyed sweetness. Chivas Regal 18 year old is matured in Sherry casks which adds an extra layer of sweetness that makes it truly unique; its aroma is fruity with hints of vanilla and caramel alongside nutty notes with a hint of marzipan.
In comparison, Glenlivet 12 year old offers an incredibly smooth palate full of rich Christmas fruits such as oranges, sultanas and raisins with subtle spiciness shining through; its finish is quite warming but also mellow. The Glenlivet 15 year old expression has an inviting nose full of fresh fruit aromas such as grapefruit and apricot alongside herbal notes such as rosemary and thyme; on the palate it’s sweet yet spicy – providing an interesting balance between the two flavours. The 18 year old version has a bolder flavour profile than its younger counterparts; it has a powerful nose reminiscent of black pepper combined with dried fruits such as dates and currants, giving way to robust spices on the palate including nutmeg and cinnamon.
Glenlivet 25 year old however takes the cake in terms of sophistication – offering an indulgent bouquet of Sherried peels and sultanas along with chewy toffee and walnuts; dried fruits provide an intense finish full of luscious flavour accompanied by a subtle kick of spice that helps to elevate it even more. Its higher alcohol strength (86 proof/43% ABV) also provides more intensity when tasting all these complex flavours – making it unbeatable in terms of taste experience!
Therefore after comparing all four expressions: Chivas Regal 12 year, Chivas Regal 15 year, Chivas Regal 18year and Glenlivet 25 year old – I have decided that the latter offers the best overall experience due to its unique flavour profile complemented by higher alcohol strength for added intensity during tasting sessions!
If you are interested in reading more about Glenlivet why not read our other articles: Glenlivet vs Glenfiddich or Glenlivet vs Glenfiddich vs Glenmorangie
