Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:55 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 between Balvenie 12 and Dalmore 12 in this comprehensive analysis, and determine which Single Malt aligns better with 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
Balvenie vs Dalmore: Comparison
Balvenie 12 Doublewood: A blend of honey, toffee, and pear on the nose, leading to a smooth palate of caramel and apple. The finish offers a spicy oak touch. This single malt is great for sipping neat, known for its balance and subtle sweetness.
Dalmore 12: Opens with a rich aroma of dark fruit and chocolate, but the palate may disappoint with a one-dimensional sweetness and a brief finish. While it has its accolades, it’s best suited for those who prefer a less complex flavor profile.
Verdict: Balvenie 12 Doublewood is a smooth and well-rounded choice for enthusiasts looking for an accessible yet satisfying single malt. Dalmore 12, with its enticing aroma but simpler taste, may appeal to those new to whisky or seeking a straightforward sipper, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: 12-Year Single Malt Top Picks
Balvenie 12 Doublewood: A Smooth Single Malt Delight
- 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: Balvenie 14
Inviting Aroma: The Balvenie 12 opens with a pleasing nose of ripe fruit, honey, sherry, and vanilla, hinting at the flavors to come.
Well-Rounded Palate: On the palate, the Balvenie 12 delivers a smooth and enjoyable experience. The taste is well-rounded, featuring a blend of mixed nuts, citrus peel, vanilla, cinnamon, and sherry.
Satisfying Finish: The finish is pleasantly long, with a subtle hint of oak spice and lingering vanilla notes. Adding a dash of water can further enhance the oak flavor and sweetness.
My View: The Balvenie 12 Doublewood is a well-balanced single malt whisky with a super smooth and approachable character. Its enjoyable taste and satisfying finish strike a delightful balance between sweetness and spice. While it may not be the most complex whisky, its smoothness and subtle sweetness make it a great choice to be enjoyed neat.
Awards: The Balvenie 12 Year Old Doublewood has earned the Gold Medal at the SF World Spirits Competition.
Key Points:
- Inviting aroma: Ripe fruit, honey, sherry, and vanilla.
- Well-rounded palate: Mixed nuts, citrus peel, vanilla, cinnamon, and sherry.
- Satisfying finish: Oak spice and subtle vanilla notes.
- Smooth and approachable: Enjoyable neat, water enhances oak and sweetness.
The Dalmore 12: A Balanced View
- Nose: Dark fruit, citrus, chocolate, cinnamon, plum
- Palate: Apricot, fig, grape, pecan
- Finish: Short, dark fruit, baking spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Highland Park 12
Enticing Aroma: The Dalmore 12 opens with a rich and inviting nose of dark fruits, orange, and chocolate, accented by hints of cinnamon and plum. These captivating aromas set the stage for a potentially delightful experience.
Understated Palate: However, the initial promise on the nose doesn’t quite translate to the palate. The initial sweetness tends to be one-dimensional, lacking the complexity often associated with single malt whiskies. While hints of dark fruit and baking spice emerge, the finish is brief with a slightly bitter touch. Adding water doesn’t significantly enhance the flavor profile.
Consider Your Preferences: While the Dalmore 12 has received accolades like the Gold Medal at the SF World Spirits Competition, it’s important to remember that personal preferences play a significant role in enjoying whisky. If you’re seeking a full-bodied and intricate dram, this offering might not be your ideal choice.
In essence, the Dalmore 12 presents an enticing aroma, but the taste experience may not live up to the initial promise for some palates. Consider your own preferences when making your whisky selection.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Balvenie 12 | $74 |
| Dalmore 12 | $70 |