Eighteen-year-old scotch whisky usually comes with a hefty price tag. Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old, for example, has an MSRP of £94.
But then there’s Chivas Regal 18, widely available for under £70 in the UK and around $75 in the US.
It’s a respected name. The whisky is well-reviewed. So why does it cost so much less?
This article explores how Chivas 18 is made, what it tastes like, and who it’s aimed at. It also compares it to other well-known 18-year-old whiskies (blended and single malt) to find out whether this price gap is about quality, perception, or something else entirely.
What Is Chivas Regal 18?
Chivas Regal 18 Year Old is a blended scotch whisky, first released in 1997 by long-time Master Blender Colin Scott.
It’s made from over 20 malt and grain whiskies, all aged at least 18 years. At its heart is Strathisla, a Speyside distillery known for its soft, fruity style. Other likely components include malts from Longmorn, Glen Grant, and Glenlivet, all owned by Chivas’s parent company, Pernod Ricard.
The grain whisky adds smoothness and consistency, helping balance the blend.
Bottled at 40% ABV, it’s chill-filtered and coloured for consistency. Positioned as a step up from Chivas 12, it’s widely available and known for offering greater depth without sacrificing approachability.
Tasting Notes and Character
Chivas Regal 18 is often praised for its balance and elegance. It’s smooth, rich, and layered, a whisky designed to be approachable but still rewarding.
On the nose, you’ll find dark chocolate, dried fruits, orange peel, and a gentle nuttiness. There’s also a hint of oak and soft spice. The aroma is warm and inviting, with just a trace of smoke in the background.
The palate is where the whisky’s reputation for smoothness really shines. Expect toffee, milk chocolate, stewed fruits, and a touch of cinnamon. The mouthfeel is silky. The finish is medium in length, slightly dry, with lingering notes of spice and oak.
It’s not designed for peat lovers or fans of cask-strength intensity. Instead, it’s built for broad appeal. Polished, comforting, and refined.
Why Is It So Much Cheaper?
Chivas Regal 18 typically sells for £70–£75 in the UK and $60–$80 in the US. That’s well below Johnnie Walker 18 (around £94/$100), and close to some lower-profile single malts like Jura 18, Deanston 18, and Speyburn 18.
So why the price difference?
1. It’s a blend
Chivas 18 combines malt and grain whisky. Grain whisky is quicker and cheaper to produce, which helps keep costs down, without sacrificing smoothness.
2. It’s made at scale
Chivas Brothers owns several distilleries and has access to vast stocks of mature whisky. That scale allows efficient blending and a consistent supply.
3. It’s priced for accessibility
This isn’t a rare release. Chivas 18 is positioned as affordable luxury, widely available, and meant to be a regular purchase, not a collector’s item.
4. Single malt pricing varies
Not all 18-year-old single malts are expensive. Some fly under the radar, while others like Macallan 18 start above £300 due to brand prestige and limited availability.
Chivas Regal, by contrast, is a global name. It might be a blend, but it’s a polished, recognisable one, and its pricing reflects that. It’s not cheap because it’s inferior. It’s cheap because it’s smartly made, widely available, and built for broad appeal.
How Does It Compare?
When you compare Chivas Regal 18 to other well-known 18-year-old whiskies, the value starts to stand out.
Take Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old. It’s another blended scotch, bottled at 40% ABV, and positioned as a premium step up in the Johnnie Walker range. The profile is a touch smokier and drier than Chivas. It’s a good whisky, but it typically retails for £90 or more, compared to around £70 for Chivas 18.
Now look at single malts. Macallan 18 Sherry Oak, one of the most recognisable names in scotch, usually sells for £300 or more. It’s rich, intense, and beautifully made, but priced as a luxury item. That’s a different category altogether.
On the other end are more modestly priced single malts like Speyburn 18 and Deanston 18. These can both be found for around £70 to £90. They’re excellent value for age-stated malts, but they lack the global recognition of Chivas. Their pricing reflects that.
In context, Chivas 18 offers a rare combination: global brand status, a respected flavour profile, and a price that sits well below its direct competition. Its aim is to deliver everyday luxury.
Is It Actually Any Good?
Chivas Regal 18 has built a strong reputation for quality. It’s a regular award-winner, with gold medals from international competitions and a loyal global following. Critics often praise its smooth texture, balanced flavour, and gentle complexity.
Charles Steele for The Whiskey Wash described it as “an outstanding entry point” and “a whisky that could easily help a new Scotch drinker fall in love with the style.” That’s exactly where it shines: as an elegant, accessible dram with just enough depth to keep you coming back.
On sites like Distiller and Reddit, the consensus is broadly positive. Some experienced drinkers find it a little soft or too light, particularly at 40% ABV. But many note its reliability, versatility, and refined character.
It may not be the boldest whisky on the shelf, but it wasn’t designed to be. Chivas 18 is all about balance. And it delivers that consistently.
Final Thoughts: Cheap or Clever?
The price of Chivas Regal 18 might raise eyebrows, but it shouldn’t raise doubts.
It’s affordable because it’s meant to be. The blend format, large-scale production, and clear brand strategy all keep costs down, without compromising on quality.
It might sit near entry-level single malts or below other 18-year-old blends like Johnnie Walker. But that’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a mark of smart positioning.
For around £70, you get an age-stated whisky from a respected house. It’s smooth, well-balanced, and easy to enjoy. Whether you’re a casual drinker or building a home bar, it’s a bottle that feels like more than you paid for.
Read the full article at Why Is Chivas Regal 18 So Cheap?
