Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:24 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 distinctions between Dalmore 12 and Glenfiddich 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
Dalmore 12 vs Glenfiddich 12: Comparison
Dalmore 12: Begins with a rich aroma of dark fruit and chocolate, and offers a simple taste with apricot and fig. Finish is brief, with spice. Best enjoyed neat.
Glenfiddich 12: Starts with a floral and honey scent, transitions into a fruity and oaky flavor, and ends with a smooth finish. Suitable for newcomers to single malt whisky.
Verdict: Both Dalmore 12 and Glenfiddich 12 shine in their unique ways. Dalmore 12 captivates with its complex aroma, while Glenfiddich 12 is remarkably smooth and accessible, making both worthy of consideration for different reasons, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: 12-Year Scotch Top Selections
Dalmore 12: Beautiful Nose, Light Flavors
- 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: Redbreast 12
Promising Start: Dalmore 12 opens with a delightful aroma, offering a mix of dark fruit, orange, chocolate, and hints of cinnamon and plum.
Flavor Falls Short: While the initial taste offers a pleasant wave of fruity sweetness, it quickly becomes overpowering and lacks the complexity hinted at by the nose. The body feels thin and watery, failing to deliver a satisfying texture.
Disappointing Finish: The finish is short-lived and leaves a slightly bitter aftertaste. Adding water doesn’t improve the experience, only diluting the already underwhelming flavors.
Overall: While the initial aroma suggests a complex and enticing experience, Dalmore 12 ultimately falls short in delivering a balanced and satisfying taste. For the price, there are other options with a more well-rounded flavor profile.
Bonus Facts:
- Dalmore 12 uses a unique aging process, with nine years spent in ex-bourbon barrels, followed by a split maturation. Half spends an additional three years in Matusalem oloroso sherry casks, while the other half remains in ex-bourbon casks.
- Despite its shortcomings in taste, Dalmore 12 has received recognition at various competitions, including a Gold Medal at the SF World Spirits Competition and a score of 95 points at the 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
- Founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson, Dalmore is a Highland single malt whisky brand.
Glenfiddich 12: A Smooth Introduction to Single Malt Whisky
- 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: Aberlour 12
Aromatic: Glenfiddich 12 opens with a gentle, floral scent carrying hints of fruit and honey.
Taste: This whisky boasts a pleasant, medium-bodied mouthfeel. The dominant flavor is a sweet fruitiness, particularly pear, with a subtle touch of oak peeking through.
Finish: The aftertaste is smooth and moderate in length, leaving behind lingering hints of oak and pear.
In Short: Glenfiddich 12 is a straightforward and easy-drinking whisky. It offers a mild, fruity, and smooth taste without overwhelming complexity. This makes it a great choice for beginners or anyone seeking a no-frills, approachable single malt. It’s free of smoke and harshness, providing a welcoming experience for new whisky explorers.
Bonus Facts:
- Aged for 12 years in American oak and European sherry casks, contributing to its smooth and slightly sweet character.
- Founded by William Grant in 1887, making it a historical name in the single malt world.
- Holds the title of the best-selling single malt whisky globally.
- Hailing from Speyside, a region known for its smooth, creamy, and often sherry-influenced whiskies.
- Owned by William Grant & Sons, the same company behind other renowned brands like Balvenie, Tullamore D.E.W., and Monkey Shoulder.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Dalmore 12 | $70 |
| Glenfiddich 12 | $52 |