This was my first encounter with this blended label from Chivas Brothers. It initially debuted during the heady days of the 1960s, while the 12 Year came along during the late 1980s. The primary malt component for the blend is Allt-a-Bhainne, a less common distillery to find among independent bottlers. Apparently it is quite popular in South Asia and I must have seen it in India before. While I am rather fond of the Chivas Regal and Ballantines, let’s see if this scratches a similar itch….

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Whisky: 100 Pipers 12 Year Blended Scotch Whisky (c. 1990s)

Country/Region: Scotland/Blend

ABV: 43%

Cask: Oak

Age: 12 Years

Notes: Wispy smoke and charcoal drafting supplies mixed with krylon and other chemical fixing agents to preserve a masterpiece. A touch of waxy erasures and chopped apples lingered with floor polish, wicker baskets, dry kitchen spices— perhaps a basket with potpourri? Light-bodied on the palate, the flavor profile began with apples, caramel, nougat, and pepper— like a spiced caramel apple with black pepper, cardamon, salt, and cloves. Wispy tobacco smoke, more pepper, and charred wood lingered further in with wicker baskets, wax candles, and an old nutcracker ready for Christmas. The finish was medium to long with a lovely honey, caramel, and cracking black pepper.

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Score: 5 (74)

Mental Image: Haunted Caramel Apple Stand

Conclusion: I was surprised at how peppery the whisky was, and not so much in a bad way as it was quite lively and enjoyable. It reminded me of an elevated version of Brave New Spirit’s Lighthouse blend, which had a similar lively peated profile, though less caramel. Overall, this struck me as a bit eccentric for a mass market blend, but the flavors were crystal clear on the palate and the finish impressively long for such a light whisky.