Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:33 am
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 differences between Balvenie 12 and Glenfiddich 12 in this thorough comparison and choose the Single Malt that suits you best!
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 Glenfiddich: Comparison
Balvenie 12 DoubleWood: Showcases a nose of honey, toffee, and vanilla, with a palate enriched by caramel, apple, and mixed nuts, concluding with a finish of spicy oak and roasted nuts. It provides a rich, complex experience with a good balance of sweetness and spice, ideal for those seeking a more robust flavor in their whisky.
Glenfiddich 12: Features a nose of floral notes and ripe fruit, with a palate of fruity sweetness and pear, and a medium finish of pear and oak. It’s an approachable, smooth single malt perfect for newcomers to the category, offering good value and an easy-drinking experience.
Verdict:
Balvenie 12 DoubleWood stands out for its depth and rich flavor profile, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced tasting experience. In contrast, Glenfiddich 12 serves as an excellent entry point into single malts, providing a smooth and mellow option at a more accessible price point. The choice between them depends on personal preference for complexity and richness versus approachability and value, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: 12-Year Scotch Top Choices
Balvenie Doublewood 12: Balanced Sweetness
- Nose: Honey, toffee, vanilla, pear
- Palate: Caramel, apple, citrus, mixed nuts
- Finish: Spicy oak, roasted nuts
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Macallan 12
Aroma: Balvenie Doublewood 12 presents a rich and inviting aroma, dominated by notes of ripe fruit, sherry, vanilla, and honey. This initial bouquet hints at the complex flavors to come.
Palate: On the tongue, the whisky showcases a delightful creaminess, carrying forward a medley of flavors like mixed nuts, citrus peel, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon. All these elements are elegantly balanced with the signature sherry influence.
Finish: The finish is decent, leaving a lingering warmth and subtle hints of oak spice and vanilla on the palate.
Beyond the Basics:
- ** approachable and well-balanced:** Balvenie Doublewood 12 offers a friendly and approachable drinking experience. It avoids strong peat, smoke, or other challenging notes, making it suitable for a wide range of palates. The well-balanced profile seamlessly integrates sweetness and spice, creating a pleasant and enjoyable sip.
Exploring the Whisky’s Creation:
- Double Cask Maturation: This expression undergoes a unique two-stage maturation process. First, it ages for 12 years in ex-bourbon barrels, followed by a 9-month finishing period in Oloroso Sherry butts. This unique approach contributes significantly to the whisky’s depth and complexity.
- Oloroso Sherry Influence: Oloroso, a dry and aromatic sherry wine from Spain, plays a crucial role in shaping the flavor profile. Its characteristic sweetness blends harmoniously with the other elements, adding a distinct character to the whisky.
- Crafted by a Master: The creation of this expression is overseen by Malt Master David Stewart MBE, a renowned figure in the industry who pioneered the use of wine casks for whisky aging in the 1980s.
- Award-Winning Recognition: Balvenie Doublewood 12 has garnered acclaim within the whisky world, receiving the Gold Medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Glenfiddich 12: A Beginner’s Delight
- Nose: Floral, ripe fruit, honey
- Palate: Fruity sweetness, pear, oak
- Finish: Medium, pear, oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Glenlivet 12
Aroma: Glenfiddich 12 presents a light and floral bouquet, where delicate fruity notes mingle with a touch of honey, creating an inviting first impression.
Palate: The whisky offers a decent body, showcasing a smooth and gentle sweetness with hints of pear and oak.
Finish: The finish is smooth and leaves a pleasant aftertaste of pear and subtle oak, lacking any harsh warmth.
Beyond the Basics:
- Ideal for Newcomers: Glenfiddich 12 serves as a welcoming introduction to the world of single malt Scotch whisky, offering a smooth and approachable experience.
- Affordable Choice: It remains an attractive option for cost-conscious consumers, making it enjoyable for all.
Delving Deeper:
- Meticulous Maturation: This expression matures for 12 years in a combination of previously used American oak and European sherry casks, contributing to its distinct flavor profile.
- A Legacy of Excellence: Founded on Christmas Day in 1887 by William Grant, Glenfiddich has established itself as a cornerstone of the Speyside region in Scotland.
- Global Recognition: Today, Glenfiddich holds the title of the world’s best-selling single malt Scotch whisky, a testament to its quality and widespread appeal.
What do Balvenie and Glenfiddich have in common?
Balvenie and Glenfiddich share several commonalities.
Firstly, both brands are under the ownership of William Grant & Sons, a company that boasts a portfolio of other whiskies like Monkey Shoulder and Tullamore D.E.W.
Secondly, these two whiskies are crafted at their respective distilleries in the Scottish region of Speyside.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Balvenie 12 DoubleWood | $74 |
| Glenfiddich 12 | $52 |