Aberlour 12 vs GlenDronach 12

Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:44 pm

Discover the contrasts between Aberlour 12 and GlenDronach 12 in my comprehensive comparison, and choose your preferred Single Malt!

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 GlenDronach: Comparison

Aberlour 12: Delivers a rich blend of raisins, caramel, and baking spices with a finish of chocolate and cinnamon. It’s a smooth, balanced Speyside whisky that’s both accessible and complex, ideal for those who enjoy a touch of smokiness with their sweetness.

GlenDronach 12: Offers a sherry-forward profile with caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit on the palate, leading to a finish of oak and sherry. This whisky is perfect for sherry cask whisky lovers, providing a creamy texture and a rich, sweet taste.

Verdict: Aberlour 12 and GlenDronach 12 cater to Speyside whisky enthusiasts, with Aberlour offering a balanced, mildly smoky option, and GlenDronach presenting a more pronounced sherry influence. Both are excellent choices for those seeking quality and depth in their whisky, states spirits expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best-Rated 12-Year Single Malts

Aberlour 12: A Smooth and Balanced Speyside Whisky

• 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

Inviting Aroma:

• Aberlour 12 greets you with a pleasant aroma of rich raisins, baking spice, and a touch of burnt oak.

Satisfying Mouthfeel:

• This whisky boasts a good texture, offering a smooth and enjoyable experience on the palate.

Balanced Flavors:

• The initial taste presents a mild spiciness, harmonized with notes of sweet caramel, nutmeg, and hints of charred oak.

Lingering Finish:

• The finish lingers pleasantly, offering a combination of dark chocolate and cinnamon, with subtle hints of charred oak remaining throughout.

Water’s Influence:

• Adding a touch of water enhances the sweetness of the caramel, however, it also intensifies the presence of charred oak.

Overall Impression:

• Aberlour 12 is a compelling Speyside whisky, offering a delightful balance between sweetness and a touch of smokiness, without being overpowering.
• This smooth and well-rounded whisky delivers a satisfying drinking experience at a fair price, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced whisky enthusiasts.

Bonus:

• The unique and elegant bottle design adds a distinctive touch to Aberlour 12, making it a visually appealing addition to any collection.

Distillery Facts:

• Aged in a unique combination of ex-bourbon barrels and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, imparting rich and complex flavors.
• Founded in 1879 by James Fleming, guided by the motto “Let the deed show,” emphasizing quality and craftsmanship.
• Acquired by Pernod Ricard in 1975, becoming a significant contributor of whiskies to Chivas Regal’s renowned blends.

GlenDronach 12: A Smooth Sherry-Kissed Whisky

• Nose: Caramel, honey, apple
• Palate: Vanilla, caramel, dried fruit
• Finish: Oak, dried fruit, sherry
• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat

Aromatic Delights:

• The GlenDronach 12 opens with a pleasant aroma of toffee, honey, and a hint of apple.

Creamy and Flavorful:

• The whisky boasts a thick and creamy texture, enhancing its enjoyable mouthfeel.

Sweet & Balanced Taste:

• The initial sip reveals rich caramel and vanilla flavors, followed by a delightful taste of dried fruits.

Lasting Impression:

• The finish is smooth and well-balanced, leaving a subtle aftertaste of sherry, oak, and dried fruits.

Aged to Perfection:

• This expression matures for twelve years in a unique combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez casks, contributing to its prominent sherry character and a touch of nutty sweetness.

A Delightful Choice:

• GlenDronach 12 offers a smooth and delicious drinking experience, with a pleasing touch of spice and no harshness.

Perfect for Sherry Lovers:

• This whisky caters well to sherry enthusiasts, offering a satisfying flavor profile that can be enjoyed neat, without needing water or ice.

Award-Winning Whisky:

• GlenDronach 12 has been recognized for its quality, earning Gold medals at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the 2017 World Whiskies Awards.

Rich History and Expertise:

• The GlenDronach distillery boasts a rich history dating back to 1826, and Dr. Rachel Barrie, one of Scotland’s few female distillers, currently leads the team as the master distiller. The distillery is now owned by the US-based company Brown-Forman, known for brands like Old Forester.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Aberlour 12	$61
GlenDronach 12	$69