I had this idea that I would try a few budget drams to see how my taste buds have evolved over the years. After 2 back-to-back budget blended Scotches (the other review will be up in a bit), I may throw in the towel and self-certify that my taste buds are calibrated and working correctly. Let’s get to the tasting notes for Chivas Regal 12 Year Old Blended Scotch. Nose: Thin and fruity, and not particularly complex. Green apple, Riesling, vanilla, and suggestions of old oak. Hidden, dull fireplace smoke. Palate: Light, with a thin, watery mouthfeel. Vanilla, caramel, and cream with a dash of mild mannered salt. I think there’s some fruitiness to this but it’s lost in the apparent torrent of fire hydrant testing water used to cut this down to proof. Finish: Short and fairly one-note. Sweet, with faint oak tannins, bitterness, and tame spice. Over before you know it. I’m finding that few drams work at 40% ABV for me these days and this is no exception. Really unremarkable and boring. In hindsight, my rating appears a bit polite, but it has an age statement and doesn't have any obvious off-notes that completely turn me off from it. I think you could probably use this a mixer, but personally, I wouldn’t. 2.25 ~ 68 ~ Nearly Regretting This