Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:40 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 distinctions between Balvenie 12 and Glenlivet 12 in this detailed comparison to choose the preferred Single Malt for your palate!
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 Glenlivet: Comparison
Balvenie DoubleWood 12: Offers a rich symphony of sweetness and gentle spice, thanks to its unique aging process in two different wood types. It’s a whisky that balances complexity with approachability, making it a favorite for those who appreciate nuanced flavors of honey, toffee, and a spicy oak finish. Perfect for sipping neat to enjoy its full spectrum of flavors.
Glenlivet 12: Provides an uncomplicated smoothness, marked by a creamy texture and a dominant profile of vanilla and ripe fruit. It’s an ideal introduction to single malt Scotch for beginners, offering an easy-drinking experience without the intensity of peat or smoke. While it might lack complexity for seasoned drinkers, its accessibility and gentle finish make it widely appealing.
Verdict: Balvenie DoubleWood 12 and Glenlivet 12 cater to different preferences within the Scotch whisky spectrum. Balvenie is for those seeking depth and a blend of sweet and spicy notes, while Glenlivet appeals to newcomers or those who prefer a straightforward, smooth whisky. Each provides a distinct experience, with Balvenie offering a richer taste and Glenlivet focusing on simplicity and smoothness, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Great 12-Year Single Malts
Balvenie DoubleWood 12: A Symphony of Sweetness and Gentle Spice
- 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: Aberlour 12
Aromatic Allure: Balvenie DoubleWood 12 opens with a captivating nose, rich with ripe fruit, honey, sherry, and hints of vanilla, hinting at the delightful experience to come.
Balanced and Pleasing: The first sip introduces a pleasant texture and a well-balanced flavor profile. Notes of mixed nuts, citrus peel, vanilla, cinnamon, and sherry dance on the palate, creating a harmonious and enjoyable experience.
Lingering Warmth: The whisky boasts a satisfyingly long finish, characterized by gentle oak spice and subtle vanilla notes, leaving a lingering warmth.
Smooth and Approachable: This expression stands out for its ability to balance a smooth and approachable character with a touch of complexity. The enjoyable taste and gratifying finish, offering both sweetness and spice, make it a delight to savor neat.
Unlocking Additional Depths: While the Balvenie DoubleWood 12 is already enjoyable, adding a dash of water is said to further intensify the oak flavor and elevate the sweetness, allowing you to explore additional layers of its profile.
Did you know?
- The unique character of Balvenie DoubleWood 12 comes from its two-stage aging process. It first matures in ex-bourbon barrels for 12 years, then undergoes a final nine months in Oloroso sherry butts, contributing to its rich and complex flavor profile.
- This expression has received recognition for its quality, earning a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- Balvenie DoubleWood 12 is the brainchild of Malt Master David Stewart MBE, a pioneer in the art of aging whisky in wine casks.
- As a Speyside whisky, Balvenie DoubleWood 12 is part of the William Grant & Sons family, alongside renowned brands like Glenfiddich and Monkey Shoulder.
Glenlivet 12: Unveiling Uncomplicated Smoothness
- 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: Auchentoshan 12
A Delicate Introduction: Glenlivet 12 offers a gentle nose with hints of toasted grains, honey, and subtle pear.
Creamy Smoothness: The first sip introduces a luxurious and ultra-smooth texture, followed by a dominant vanilla flavor complemented by subtle fruity notes.
Short and Sweet Finish: The whisky concludes with a brief finish, lingering with additional sweet honey and vanilla notes.
Easy-Drinking Choice: This expression stands out for its smooth and approachable character. It lacks the harshness, peat, or smoke often found in other whiskies, making it a simple and easy-to-drink option for beginners.
Vanilla-Forward Profile: While the rich vanilla and honey notes are pleasant, the complexity and memorability might be limited for some experienced drinkers. This characteristic has led some to describe it as a “plain vanilla” whisky.
Ideal Starting Point: Glenlivet 12 makes an excellent choice for those new to single malt Scotch or liquor in general. It allows you to explore the world of whisky without facing overwhelming flavors.
Versatility and Enjoyment: This whisky can be enjoyed neat or straight for a pure taste experience. Adding a splash of water is said to enhance the sweetness and reveal intriguing floral notes, a popular practice in Scotch whisky consumption.
Beyond Cocktails: While Glenlivet 12 can be used in cocktails, opting for a more affordable and bolder spirit might be preferable if you’re looking for a whisky to add complexity and character to your mixed drinks.
Did you know?
- Glenlivet 12 matures primarily in ex-bourbon and European oak casks, influencing its signature smoothness and vanilla notes.
- This distillery uniquely uses wooden washbacks for the fermentation process, potentially contributing to its distinct character.
- Glenlivet holds the title of the best-selling single malt Scotch in the United States, highlighting its widespread popularity.
- Recognized for its quality, Glenlivet 12 has received accolades, including a Gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge.
- This brand is currently owned by Pernod-Ricard, a French beverage giant known for various spirits like Chivas Regal and Jameson Whiskey.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Balvenie 12 DoubleWood | $74 |
| Glenlivet 12 | $51 |