Personally I find Chivas to be a much over-rated brand. The 12 year old has never appealed to me at all (although I don't get the iodine note). Interestingly, Strathisla malt (which I mentioned to you in another thread) is a major component in all Chivas, but it works way better on its own as a single malt. Almost every scotch blend will have at least a touch of spice, some charcoal or smoke notes, and some fruity honey. Some will have faint sherry notes and a malty quality. That's kind of the base generic profile and it may just be that you prefer your whisky with a corn/rye character rather than barley/wheat. There can also be a faint sour metallic note in a lot of the cheaper scotch and Irish blends from the grain whisky component. From your reviews I take it you are primarily a bourbon man when it comes to whisk(e)y? If so the most robust and full-flavoured scotch blend I can think of is Black Bull 12 year old, which you could almost mistake for a sherried single malt, but it may be hard to find and is not cheap - probably around US$50. Johnnie Walker Platinum or Blue label might appeal to you, but definitely try a pour in a bar rather than gambling on a whole bottle as they are even more expensive - particularly Blue Label - and there is a trademark light smoky note. The only other suggestion I can think of is Starward Twofold, an Australian blend. Like many of our whiskies it can almost seem like a mid point between scotch, bourbon and Irish. It has been promoted widely in the US this year. When it comes to absolute entry level my usual suggestions would be Loch Lomond Reserve, Black & White, Famous Grouse, Ballantine's 12 year old or Johnnie Walker Black Label. However none of these may match with your preferred taste profile. (BYW - handsome dog in your avatar - yours?)