Best 12 Year Scotch Whiskies

Last Updated on: 23rd April 2024, 08:27 pm

Written by: J Highland

With the assistance of whisky expert Neil Coleman and valuable customer insights, I have assembled a list of the top 12-year Scotch Whiskies.

Find your next favorite pour here! Cheers!

Choosing the Best 12 Year Scotch

This guide highlights several 12-year-old Scotches, each suited to different preferences:

For the Sherry Lover:

• The Macallan Sherry Oak 12: Rich and complex with prominent sherry notes (vanilla, dried fruit, oak).
• The GlenDronach 12: Sherry-kissed with a delightful balance of oak, dried fruit, and a touch of spice.
• Aberlour 12: Value-driven with raisins, baking spice, and a dark chocolate finish.

For Those New to Scotch:

• Glengoyne 12: Sweet and balanced Speyside with honey, toasted barley, and hints of apple.
• Bunnahabhain 12: Islay with a gentle smokiness, perfect for those curious about peat.
• Highland Park 12: Delicate balance of smoke and sweetness with floral, citrus, and honey notes.

For the Adventurous:

• Deanston 12: A fruity powerhouse with peaches, apricots, honey, and a touch of ginger.
• Kilkerran 12: Smooth Speyside with marzipan, pineapple, vanilla, and a subtle hint of smoke.
• Springbank 12: Bold Campbeltown with dark fruit, baking spice, and a touch of peat (cask strength).

For Those Who Enjoy Smoke:

• Caol Ila 12: Islay with a smoky and sweet balance (smoked ham, apple, pear, red fruit).
• Springbank 12: Campbeltown with dark fruit, baking spice, and a touch of peat.
• Highland Park 12: Light-bodied with a gentle whisper of smoke and brine.

For a Deeper Speyside Experience:

• Glenlivet Illicit Still: Unfiltered and richer than the classic Glenlivet 12 (melon, honey, vanilla).
• Mortlach “Wee Witchie”: Complex Speyside with orchard fruits, baking spice, roasted nuts, and orange.
• Balvenie Single Barrel 12: Unveils single cask depths with vanilla, honey, and a citrus medley.

Looking for Something Different?

• Glenmorangie Lasanta: Unique twist with a sherried finish (raisins, caramel, oak).

Consider these factors when choosing:

• Smoke Level: Some Scotches have a smoky flavor due to peat-fired malting.
• Sweetness Level: Sherried Scotches tend to be sweeter.
• Price: Prices can vary depending on the brand and region.
• Alcohol Content: Scotch typically ranges from 40% to 56% ABV (alcohol by volume).

I hope this helps you find the perfect 12-year-old Scotch for 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.

Quick Look at the Best 12-Year Single Malts

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price	ABV
Kilkerran 12	$94	46%
Glenlivet Illicit Still	$43	48%
Glenmorangie Lasanta	$47	46%
Glengoyne 12	$62	43%
Aberlour 12	$54	43%
Deanston 12	$63	46%
Mortlach 12	$59	43%
Highland Park 12	$54	43%
Bunnahabhain 12	$63	46%
Macallan 12 Sherry Oak	$76	43%
Caol Ila 12	$90	43%
Balvenie 12 Single Barrel	$85	48%
GlenDronach 12	$59	43%
Glenallachie 12	$73	46%
Springbank 12	$115	56%

Sun-Kissed Delight: Glenmorangie Lasanta’s Sherried Twist

• Nose: Raisins, caramel, oak
• Palate: Dried fruit, vanilla, cinnamon, hazelnut, oak
• Finish: Dried fruit, oak spice, baking spice
• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat
• Smoke Level: Zero

Glenmorangie Lasanta offers a unique twist on single malt Scotch. Aged in ex-bourbon barrels for 10 years, it gains a warm vanilla and oak character. A further two years in Spanish sherry casks imbue it with rich raisin, dried fruit, and spice notes, creating a creamy and smooth dram.

Perfect for those curious about sherried whiskies or those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their Scotch. This award-winning single malt (Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2010 and 2013) is delightful neat, but can also be enjoyed on the rocks or in cocktails, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Glengoyne 12: Honeyed Delight for Scotch Enthusiasts

• Nose: Toasted barley, apples, honey
• Palate: Caramel, sherry, oak, vanilla
• Finish: Long, coffee, vanilla, oak
• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat
• Smoke Level: Zero

Glengoyne 12 offers a sweet and balanced single malt experience. The nose entices with honey, toasted barley, and hints of apple. The rich palate unfolds with caramel and sherry notes, layered with vanilla and oak spice. The finish delivers a touch of espresso alongside lingering vanilla.

This unfiltered single malt, free of smoke or peat due to air-dried barley, caters to those who enjoy classic Speyside character. It’s a great choice for those familiar with Glenfiddich 12 but seeking a slightly different profile.

Glengoyne 12 has earned recognition at prestigious competitions, including a Silver at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Rich Harmony: Aberlour 12’s Value-Driven Single Malt

• 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
• Smoke Level: Zero

Aberlour 12 offers a delightful nose of raisins interlaced with baking spice and a touch of charred oak. The taste is a smooth balance of richness and drinkability. Gentle spice mingles with caramel, nutmeg, and oak undertones, leading to a dark chocolate and cinnamon finish with lingering oak. A touch of water brings out more caramel for a personalized experience.

This 12-year-old Speyside malt punches above its weight, offering excellent value and housed in an elegant bottle.

Deanston 12: A Fruity Powerhouse for Scotch Adventurers

• Nose: Fruit, vanilla, honey, marzipan
• Palate: Fruit, raisins, honey, ginger, oak
• Finish: Medium, caramel, spice
• Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Smoke Level: Zero

Deanston 12 isn’t for the faint of heart. This unfiltered, high-proof Scotch explodes with fruity aromas of peaches, apricots, and honey, laced with vanilla and marzipan. The luxuriously thick palate mirrors the nose, transitioning from warmth to intense flavors of peach, apricot, ginger, and oak. The finish lingers with caramel and spice, leaving a slightly bitter whisper on the palate.

Deanston’s robust profile is perfect for those who crave intensity, but a gentler option might be better for newcomers to Scotch. This award-winning whisky (Double Gold Medal at the 2013 SF World Spirits Competition) is aged exclusively in bourbon casks, offering a unique and powerful dram.

A Complex Speyside Single Malt: Unveiling the Depths of Mortlach

• Nose: Caramel, vanilla, orchard fruits, almond, oak
• Palate: Orchard fruits, baking spice, roasted nuts, orange
• Finish: Medium, baking spice, caramel
• Alcohol content: 87 proof (43.4% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Smoke Level: Zero

Mortlach “Wee Witchie” offers a unique Speyside experience. Its aroma bursts with fresh orchard fruits like apple and pear, layered with hints of caramel, vanilla, and toasted nuts. The rich taste echoes these notes, adding a touch of baking spice, roasted nuts, and orange zest. The finish lingers with a warming wave of spice and caramel.

Compared to Glenlivet 12, Mortlach boasts a richer complexity that delivers a more satisfying dram at a good value.

Highland Park 12: A Delicate Dance of Smoke and Sweetness

• Nose: Floral, smoke, orange, honey
• Palate: Cereal, orange, green tea, smoke
• Finish: Long, oak, pepper
• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Smoke Level: 😮‍💨😮‍💨

Highland Park 12 offers a welcoming aroma of flowers, citrus, and honey. The taste is smooth with cereal grains, orange, and a touch of green tea, balanced by a gentle whisper of smoke and brine. Though light-bodied, a pleasant sweetness emerges with water, adding depth. The finish is short, subtly sweet, and slightly spicy.

This whisky provides a taste of peat smoke without the Islay intensity, making it ideal for those new to smoky Scotches. While seasoned drinkers may crave more complexity, Highland Park 12 delivers commendable quality at an attractive price.

Caol Ila 12: Smoke and Sweetness in Perfect Balance

• Nose: Smoked ham, apple, pear
• Palate: Red fruit, caramel, vanilla, lemon zest
• Finish: Long, smoke, oak spice
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat
• Smoke Level: 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

Caol Ila 12 presents a bold contrast. Its nose starts with a pronounced smoky aroma, like cured meats, but whispers of apple and pear peek through. Despite the initial smoke, the taste is lush with red fruits and caramel, balanced by vanilla and lemon. The finish lingers with a deep smokiness and earthy spice.

This Islay single malt offers a delightful balance of smoke and sweetness. Compared to its Islay brethren, Caol Ila 12 is gentler, thanks to its copper pot still distillation. Adding a splash of water unveils hidden floral and sweet notes for those seeking a milder peat experience. Aged in bourbon barrels, this whisky offers a unique and satisfying dram.

Glenlivet Illicit Still: Unveiling Hidden Depths

• Nose: Melon, honey, vanilla, almond
• Palate: Melon, peaches, vanilla, honey
• Finish: Honey, peaches, apricot
• Alcohol content: 96 proof (48% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Smoke Level: Zero

Glenlivet Illicit Still takes the classic Glenlivet 12 to a richer level. Unfiltered and bottled at a higher proof, this expression boasts a more nuanced character.

The aroma entices with melon, followed by honey, vanilla, and a hint of almond. The first sip is velvety and warm, bursting with melon and peaches complemented by subtle vanilla and honey. The finish lingers with a delightful warmth, echoing notes of peaches and apricots.

This whisky is truly remarkable. The unfiltered nature, higher alcohol content, and unique character deliver a richer and more satisfying experience. For those seeking a deeper appreciation of Glenlivet, the Illicit Still is a must-try.

Bunnahabhain 12: Unveiling Islay’s Lighter Side

• Nose: Light smoke, raisin, prune, cocoa
• Palate: Sherry, red fruit, oak spice
• Finish: Medium, roasted nuts, oak spice
• Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Smoke Level: 😮‍💨

Bunnahabhain 12 defies Islay tradition. Unlike its smoky brethren, it offers a gentle smokiness on the nose alongside surprising notes of raisins, prunes, and even cocoa. The creamy taste unfolds with sweet sherry and red fruit, culminating in a touch of oak spice and mild bitterness. The finish lingers with roasted nuts and a subtle oak aftertaste. A touch of water enhances the sweetness and softens the oak’s edge.

This unique Islay single malt is a perfect choice for those seeking a milder peat experience. Its approachable character makes it a great starting point for peat-curious whisky drinkers. For a fuller exploration of its flavors, adding a splash of water is recommended. Aged in a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, Bunnahabhain 12 is presented unfiltered and in its natural color.

The Macallan Sherry Oak 12: A Speyside Blend of Sherry and Spice

• Nose: Vanilla, dried fruit, oak
• Palate: Vanilla, dried fruit, oak, prune
• Finish: Oak, sherry
• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Smoke Level: Zero

The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 offers a blend of flavors centered around rich sherry notes. The aroma starts with prominent vanilla, followed by hints of dried fruit and oak. The taste is luxuriously creamy, warming as it unfolds flavors of vanilla, dried fruits, prunes, and a touch of oak, all accented by whispers of ginger and nutmeg. The finish is long and pleasing, lingering with sherry undertones and a gentle warmth.

This Speyside single malt is complex and rewarding, offering a smooth yet rich flavor profile. While it might not be the most budget-friendly option, it’s a top contender in the 12-year-old category and a surefire hit for any sherry whisky lover. The secret lies in its 12-year slumber within hand-picked Oloroso Sherry-seasoned oak casks.

Balvenie Single Barrel 12: Unveiling Single Cask Depths

• Nose: Vanilla, honey, orange, tangerines, sultanas
• Palate: Spice, tangerine, orange, apple, pear, oak
• Finish: Medium, orange peel, oak
• Alcohol content: 96 proof (48% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Smoke Level: Zero

The Balvenie Single Barrel 12 offers a unique glimpse into single cask maturation. The aroma is delicate, showcasing vanilla, honey, and a citrus medley of orange, tangerine, and sultanas. The rich texture delivers a pleasurable warmth, carrying flavors of tangerine, apple, pear, vanilla, caramel, and oak. The finish is short, with lingering citrus, oak, and a touch more warmth compared to classic Balvenie expressions.

This single malt showcases the character of whisky aged in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels. Compared to the popular Balvenie Doublewood 12, the Single Barrel boasts a bolder profile while retaining Balvenie’s signature smoothness. Each batch yields only 300 bottles, with potential variations in aroma and flavor, making it a truly special Speyside experience.

The GlenDronach 12: A Sherry-Kissed Delight

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

The GlenDronach 12 entices with a rich aroma of toffee, honey, and a hint of apple. The creamy texture caresses the palate with dominant caramel and vanilla flavors, interwoven with hints of dried fruit. The finish lingers with a delightful balance of sherry, oak, and dried fruits.

This award-winning Speyside single malt is matured in a unique combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez casks, infusing it with a prominent sherry character and a touch of nutty sweetness. Smooth, delicious, and perfectly balanced with a touch of spice and warmth, the GlenDronach 12 is a dream come true for sherry whisky lovers. Enjoy it neat, savoring its complexity without the need for water or ice.

(2017 Gold Medal Winner – SF World Spirits Competition & World Whiskies Awards)

A Speyside Delight: Glenallachie 12 Year Old

• Nose: Banana, almond, oak
• Palate: Banana, caramel, raisins, chocolate
• Finish: Medium, oak, chocolate
• Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Smoke Level: Zero

This Speyside single malt offers a delightful nose of banana, almond, and subtle oak. The rich and creamy palate boasts honey, banana, caramel, raisin, and chocolate notes. The finish is smooth and medium to long, with lingering oak spice and chocolate.

Despite its 46% ABV, Glenallachie 12 is surprisingly smooth and full-bodied. A touch of water enhances its complexity and sweetness. Aged in sherry casks and virgin oak, it’s non-chill filtered and award-winning. Highly recommended.

Springbank 12: A Bold Campbeltown Adventure

• Nose: Dark fruit, baking spice, raisins, orange, peat
• Palate: Mineral, chocolate, honey, sherry, ginger
• Finish: Red fruit, peat, orange, ginger
• Alcohol content: 112 proof (56% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Smoke Level: Zero

Springbank 12 offers a captivating aroma of dark fruit, baking spices, orange zest, and a touch of peat smoke. The palate is warm and rich, with notes of sherry nuts, honey, ginger, oak, and subtle minerals. The finish lingers with red fruit, peat, orange, and ginger, with a touch of warming spice.

This cask-strength whisky packs a punch, but a little water smooths it out. Its complex flavors are exciting and satisfying, particularly for the price. Unfiltered, naturally colored, and aged in a unique combination of casks, Springbank 12 is a bold and highly recommended dram for those who enjoy intense whiskies.

Kilkerran 12: A Smooth Speyside Gem

• Nose: Marzipan, pineapple, vanilla, dates
• Palate: Vanilla, toffee, honey, orange
• Finish: Honey, orange, ginger
• Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Smoke Level: 😮‍💨

Kilkerran 12 opens with a captivating nose of marzipan, pineapple, vanilla, dates, and a touch of smoke. The palate is delightfully oily, showcasing well-rounded flavors of vanilla, toffee, honey, orange, and a subtle hint of smoke. The finish is warm and lingers with honey, orange, ginger, and black pepper.

A touch of water enhances the toffee and oak notes, making it even more enjoyable. Kilkerran 12 delivers a smooth, simple yet robust flavor profile without an unpleasant aftertaste. This award-winning whisky offers excellent value for under $100, making it a great addition to any collection and a top contender for the best 12-year-old Scotch.

Aged in ex-bourbon and sherry casks, Kilkerran 12 is naturally colored and non-chill filtered.

Best Scotch Whisky: Top Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Common Traits of the Best 12-Year Whiskies?

• Maturation: Extended 12-year aging in oak casks enhances flavors and aromas.
• Balance: Harmonization of sweet, spicy, and smoky notes.
• Quality: Reflects the distilleries’ commitment to crafting a memorable whisky experience.

How Were the Best 12-Year Scotches Chosen?

• Personal Preferences: Based on tastings and experiences.
• Customer Feedback: Reviews and testimonials.
• Patrons’ Input: Regular patrons and enthusiasts’ feedback.
• Experts’ Opinions: Insights from industry professionals.

Why are 12-Year-Old Single Malts Special?

• These whiskies showcase the mastery and diversity of Scotland’s whisky heritage, appealing to both connoisseurs and beginners.

What is Single Malt Whisky?

• Single malt whisky must be distilled at a single distillery, using pot still distillation, exclusively from malted barley, and aged for at least three years in oak barrels.

Are Single Malts More Expensive Than Blends?

• Yes, single malts are typically more expensive due to the exclusive use of malted barley.

Is Single Malt Better Than Blended Whisky?

• Not necessarily. The preference depends on individual taste, with some blends like Johnnie Walker Blue Label highly esteemed.

What’s the Difference Between Single Malt and Blended Scotch Whisky?

• Single malt is made from malted barley at one distillery, while blended scotch combines single malts from multiple distilleries with grain whisky.

What are the Scotch Producing Regions in Scotland?

• The five main regions are Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Islay, and Campbeltown, each producing whiskies with unique characteristics.

What are the Flavors and Aromas of 12-Year Scotch?

• The flavor and aroma profiles vary widely, influenced by the aging process, barrel type, and the whisky’s regional origin.

How Should You Drink 12-Year Scotch?

• It is typically enjoyed neat or with a dash of water. Ice or cocktails are less common but acceptable ways to enjoy whisky.