100 Pipers 12 Years
Seagram's 100 Pipers 12 Year Old is a premium blended Scotch whisky, known for its smooth, mellow character and well-balanced flavours. It offers a step up in complexity and refinement from the standard 100 Pipers blend, having been aged for a minimum of 12 years
Building on the legacy of the popular 100 Pipers brand (inspired by the legend of 100 pipers leading Bonnie Prince Charlie into battle), the 12 Year Old expression represents a more mature and sophisticated offering. It is meticulously crafted in Scotland by blending select malt and grain whiskies, each aged for at least 12 years in oak casks. This extended aging process allows the flavours to deepen, integrate, and mellow, resulting in a richer, smoother palate than its younger counterpart. It often features notes of fruit, honey, vanilla, and oak, with a subtle hint of smoke. It's positioned as an accessible premium Scotch, particularly popular in markets like India and Thailand, offering good value for a 12-year-old age statement whisky.
Tasting Notes
Often described as having aromas of sweet honey, ripe orchard fruits (like pears and apples), vanilla, gentle oak spice, and sometimes a subtle floral note or a faint whiff of smoke.
Smooth, mellow, and well-balanced. Flavours typically include honeyed sweetness, creamy vanilla, baked fruits, light oakiness, and hints of nuts or gentle spice. It's generally not heavily peated, but a subtle smokiness might be present.
Medium length, smooth, and warming. Lingering notes of sweet vanilla, oak, and a gentle spice.
Recognition
While specific, recent awards for the 12 Year Old variant might require searching competition results (like IWSC, SFWSC), the 100 Pipers brand, in general, has received numerous accolades over the years in international spirits competitions, often recognized for its quality and value within its category. The 12 Year Old expression is generally well-regarded by critics and consumers for its smoothness and balance at its price point.
Food Pairings
Medium-hard cheeses like cheddar or gouda.
Grilled chicken, pork, or milder red meats.
Smoked salmon.
Serving Suggestions
Sip it straight at room temperature to appreciate its full flavour profile.
Adding a few drops of still water can open up the aromas and soften the palate slightly.
Served over ice cubes for a chilled, slightly diluted experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interesting Facts
Inspired by the Scottish legend where 100 pipers marched before Bonnie Prince Charlie during the Jacobite uprisings
100 Pipers (including the standard blend) is one of the best-selling Scotch whiskies in the world, particularly dominant in markets like India and Thailand
Originally a Seagram brand, it is now owned by Pernod Ricard through its subsidiary Chivas Brothers, who also produce Chivas Regal, Ballantine's, and Glenlivet
The blend is curated by expert Master Blenders at Chivas Brothers.