Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:50 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.
Dive into the distinctions between Aberlour 12 and Glenlivet 12 through this comprehensive comparison and determine 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 Glenlivet: Comparison
Aberlour 12: Opens with a rich aroma of raisins and baking spices, leading to a creamy palate of caramel and nutmeg, finishing with chocolate and cinnamon. A balanced and satisfying dram that strikes a nice harmony between sweetness and charred oak.
Glenlivet 12: Features a subtle nose of toasted cereal and honey, with a smooth palate of vanilla and ripe fruit, ending in a short, sweet finish. Ideal for beginners, offering a gentle introduction to Scotch with its mellow character and honeyed sweetness.
Verdict: Aberlour 12 and Glenlivet 12 both offer inviting paths into the world of Scotch whisky. Aberlour 12 appeals to those seeking depth and balance in flavors, while Glenlivet 12 is perfect for newcomers desiring a smooth and sweet experience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best easy-drinking whiskies
Aberlour 12: A Balanced Dram
- 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
Inviting Aroma:
The Aberlour 12 opens with a pleasant and inviting nose. Rich raisin notes mingle with warm baking spices and hints of charred wood, creating an intriguing aroma.
Smooth and Satisfying:
On the palate, the whisky boasts a creamy texture that delivers a satisfying mouthfeel.
Balanced Flavors:
The initial sip offers a mild spiciness, perfectly balanced by sweet caramel, warm nutmeg, and hints of charred oak.
Lingering Finish:
The finish lingers with notes of bitter chocolate and cinnamon, alongside a consistent presence of charred oak. Adding a touch of water amplifies the caramel sweetness but also strengthens the charred oak character.
A Well-Rounded Dram:
The Aberlour 12 is a competent single malt, offering a good balance between sweetness and the influence of charred oak. It’s neither overpowering nor lacking in complexity, striking a sweet spot for drinkability and nuanced flavor.
Solid Value:
While not the most extraordinary or exceptional dram, the Aberlour 12 delivers a satisfying drinking experience at a fair price for a 12-year-old single malt. Additionally, its unique and elegant bottle design adds a touch of sophistication.
A Legacy of Quality:
The Aberlour distillery, founded in 1879 by James Fleming with the motto “Let the deed show,” continues to produce high-quality whiskies, including this well-balanced 12-year expression.
Glenlivet 12: A Smooth Introduction to Scotch
- Nose: Toasted cereal, honey, pear
- Palate: Vanilla, ripe fruit
- Finish: Short, honey, vanilla
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Glenfiddich 12
Subtle and Inviting:
The Glenlivet 12 opens with a delicate nose, offering hints of toasted grains, honey, and pear. This creates a pleasant and approachable aroma.
Creamy and Smooth:
On the palate, the whisky boasts a creamy and smooth texture, complemented by subtle notes of vanilla and fruity undertones.
Sweet and Short Finish:
The finish is brief, leaving behind lingering sweetness reminiscent of honey and vanilla.
A Beginner’s Delight:
The Glenlivet 12 is known for its smooth and mellow character. It lacks the strong peaty, smoky, or oaky flavors found in some other Scotch whiskies, making it an easy-to-drink choice for newcomers.
Honeyed Sweetness:
While not complex or intensely flavored, the Glenlivet 12 delivers a pleasant experience with its sweet honey and vanilla notes. This makes it a great starting point for anyone new to exploring the world of Scotch whisky or spirits in general.
Neat or Enhanced:
Enjoy this whisky neat to appreciate its full flavor profile. Adding a few drops of water can enhance its sweetness and introduce subtle floral notes, another popular method among Scotch enthusiasts.
Award-Winning and Popular:
The Glenlivet 12 is the best-selling single malt Scotch in the United States and has earned accolades like Gold at the International Spirits Challenge. Its unique production process, utilizing wooden washbacks, contributes to its characteristic flavor.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Aberlour 12 | $61 |
| Glenlivet 12 | $51 |