Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:41 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.
Explore the contrasts between Aberlour 12 and Balvenie 12 in my thorough comparison to determine the preferable Single Malt for your taste!
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
Aberlour vs Balvenie: Comparison
Aberlour 12: Sweet with a blend of raisins, baking spice, and charred oak. Its creamy texture offers caramel and nutmeg, finishing with chocolate and cinnamon. A smooth, rich single malt that balances sweetness with oak.
Balvenie 12 DoubleWood: Features honey, toffee, and vanilla with a palate of caramel and citrus. The finish brings spicy oak and roasted nuts. Known for its smoothness and balance, it’s approachable and enjoyable neat.
Verdict: Aberlour 12 is ideal for those who appreciate a sweet and spicy profile, while Balvenie 12 DoubleWood suits those looking for smoothness and subtle sweetness. Both offer a rich, satisfying Scotch experience at their price points, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: 12-Year Whisky Top Picks
Aberlour 12: A Sweet and Balanced Single Malt
- Nose: Raisins, baking spice, charred oak
- Palate: Caramel, spice, nutmeg, charred oak
- Finish: Chocolate, cinnamon, charred oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Glenfarclas 12
Aroma: This whisky opens with a pleasant and inviting aroma. Rich raisin notes mingle with warm baking spices and a touch of charred oak, creating a complex yet approachable first impression.
Taste: The Aberlour 12 boasts a smooth and creamy texture, delivering a delightful mouthfeel. The initial sip offers a mild spiciness, balanced beautifully by notes of sweet caramel, warm nutmeg, and hints of charred oak.
Finish: The finish lingers pleasantly, featuring hints of dark chocolate and cinnamon alongside the ever-present charred oak. Adding a touch of water intensifies the sweetness of the caramel but also emphasizes the oak char.
Overview: The Aberlour 12 is a competent single malt known for its sweetness and richness, balanced by a moderate charred oak influence. Its smooth texture and pleasing complexity make it a great choice for both whisky enthusiasts and those new to the world of single malts.
While not the most extraordinary, it delivers a satisfying drinking experience at a fair price point.
Additional Notes:
- Aged in ex-bourbon barrels and ex-Oloroso sherry casks.
- Founded in 1879 by James Fleming, guided by the motto: “Let the deed show.”
- Acquired by Pernod Ricard in 1975.
- A major contributor of whiskies to Chivas Regal blends.
The Aberlour 12’s unique bottle design adds a touch of elegance, making it a visually appealing addition to any home bar.
The Balvenie 12 DoubleWood: A Smooth and Approachable Single Malt
- Nose: Honey, toffee, vanilla, pear
- Palate: Caramel, apple, citrus
- Finish: Spicy oak, roasted nuts
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Dalmore 12
Aroma: Sweet notes of ripe fruit and honey mingle with hints of sherry and vanilla, offering a pleasant and inviting first impression.
Taste: This well-rounded whisky boasts a smooth and enjoyable texture. Flavors of mixed nuts, citrus peel, vanilla, and cinnamon mingle with subtle sherry notes, creating a balanced experience.
Finish: The finish lingers pleasantly, leaving behind a touch of oak spice and a hint of vanilla sweetness.
Overview: The Balvenie 12 DoubleWood is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky known for its smooth and approachable character. It strikes a delightful balance between sweet and spicy notes, making it a great choice for both whisky newcomers and experienced drinkers alike.
While not the most complex whisky, its exceptional smoothness and subtle sweetness make it a pleasure to sip neat. Adding a splash of water can further enhance the oak character and unlock additional sweetness.
Additional Notes:
- Aged for 12 years in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in Oloroso Sherry butts for nine months.
- Awarded the Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
This easy-drinking whisky makes a great introduction to the world of Single Malt Scotch, offering a balanced and enjoyable experience.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Aberlour 12 Double Cask | $61 |
| Balvenie 12 DoubleWood | $74 |