Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:13 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Uncover distinctions: Dalmore 15 vs Glenfiddich 15. Decide the superior Single Malt for you in this thorough analysis.
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Dalmore 15 vs Glenfiddich 15: Comparison
Dalmore 15: A smooth Scotch with a rich sherry touch. Flavors of dried fruit, spice, and oak. It’s sweet yet slightly bitter, with a short finish. Perfect for those who enjoy a gentle sherry influence.
Glenfiddich 15: Offers a sherry-forward taste with hints of orange and spice. Balanced and not too heavy, making it ideal for everyday enjoyment. A great choice for both beginners and sherry enthusiasts at a price hard-to-beat.
Verdict: Both whiskies highlight the beauty of sherry cask aging. Dalmore 15 shines with its smoothness and subtle sweetness, while Glenfiddich 15 impresses with its balanced flavor and affordability. Each has its own strengths, catering to different preferences, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Good 15-Year Scotch Whiskies
Dalmore 15: A Smooth Sherry-Forward Scotch
- Nose: Dried fruit, hazelnut, oak
- Palate: Raisins, baking spice, oak
- Finish: Short, oak spice, black pepper, dried fruit
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- Similar to: Dalwhinnie 15
The Dalmore 15 is known for its smoothness and sweetness, with a distinct sherry flavor. It’s generally easy to drink and well-liked by many.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Nose: Subtle hints of dried fruit, oak, and hazelnut.
- Palate: Starts sweet with raisins, then turns slightly bitter with cinnamon, nutmeg, and oak spice. Feels thin and light in the mouth.
- Finish: Short and unremarkable, with lingering bitterness and a touch of dried fruit.
While enjoyable, keep these in mind:
- Lacks complexity and body, feeling thin on the palate.
- The sweetness fades, giving way to bitterness in the finish.
- Doesn’t live up to some competitors in this price range due to its thinness and short finish.
Dalmore 15 facts:
- Aged 12 years in ex-bourbon casks, then finished for 3 years in sherry casks.
- Awarded 94 points in the 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
- Uses artificial coloring, a common practice in the industry.
- Founded in 1839.
Overall, the Dalmore 15 is a decent sherry-forward whisky, but its thinness and short finish hold it back from being truly exceptional. Consider your preferences for body and complexity when making your choice.
Glenfiddich 15: A Sherry-Forward Single Malt Scotch
- Nose: Sherry, orange, oak
- Palate: Sherry, orange, cinnamon, ginger, oak
- Finish: Oak spice, sherry
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Glenlivet 15
Looking for a smooth and easy-drinking Scotch? The Glenfiddich 15 might be your perfect match. Aged in a mix of casks, it offers a pleasant sweetness and well-balanced flavors at a competitive price.
What to expect:
- Nose: Hints of sherry, orange, and oak.
- Palate: Well-balanced with sherry and orange notes, along with subtle ginger and oak. Not too heavy or light.
- Finish: Medium length, with lingering sherry and mild oak spice.
A good choice for:
- Scotch beginners: The smooth taste and affordable price make it a great introduction.
- Sherry lovers: The sherry influence is prominent throughout the experience.
- Daily drinkers: Easy to sip on and enjoy any time.
A few things to keep in mind:
- The finish isn’t the longest, but the sherry notes linger nicely.
- Adding a few drops of water can further enhance the sweetness.
- This expression uses artificial coloring, which is common in the industry but worth noting.
Overall, the Glenfiddich 15 is a straightforward and enjoyable Scotch with a focus on sherry. It’s a great option for those seeking a smooth daily drinker at a good value.
Bonus facts:
- Aged in ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and new American oak casks.
- Matured using the Solera system, similar to sherry production.
- Finished in Portuguese oak tuns for consistency.
- Glenfiddich is the best-selling single malt brand globally.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Dalmore 15 | $130 |
| Glenfiddich 15 | $80 |