Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:27 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.
Uncover the distinctions between Dewar’s 15 and Glenfiddich 12 in this thorough comparison, and make an informed choice on which whisky suits your preferences 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
Dewar’s 15 vs Glenfiddich 12: Comparison
Dewar’s 15 The Monarch: Offers a fruity and balanced flavor with a luxurious texture and a short, dry finish. A step up within the Dewar’s range.
Glenfiddich 12: A welcoming floral and fruity aroma, with a smooth, approachable palate and a moderate finish. An ideal introduction to Scotch whisky.
Verdict: Dewar’s 15 and Glenfiddich 12 cater to different whisky enthusiasts. Dewar’s 15, a blended Scotch, provides a complex, fruit-forward experience, making it suitable for those who appreciate a blend’s subtlety. Glenfiddich 12, as a single malt, offers simplicity and smoothness, perfect for newcomers to Scotch, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Single Malts under $50
Dewar’s 15 Blended Scotch Whisky: A Smooth Sipper with Options
- Similar to: Monkey Shoulder
Aromatic Introduction
Dewar’s 15 welcomes you with a gentle nose. Hints of apple, honey, and caramel create an inviting first impression, with a subtle touch of cinnamon adding warmth. While a faint alcohol note is present, it’s very light and doesn’t overpower the other aromas.
Luxuriously Smooth
The first sip is a pleasant surprise. The whisky has a rich, oily texture that coats your tongue, creating a smooth and enjoyable mouthfeel. This unexpected element adds another layer of interest to the tasting experience.
Fruity & Balanced Flavors
On the palate, Dewar’s 15 offers a delightful mix of fruit flavors. Pear, honey, apple, and orange mingle together, accented with a sprinkle of cinnamon. This creates a well-balanced profile that leans towards sweetness without being overly sugary.
Short & Easy Finish
The finish comes on quickly and doesn’t linger for a long time. Orange takes center stage, accompanied by a drying sensation and minimal warmth. This contributes to the easy-drinking nature of the whisky.
A Step Up for Dewar’s
Compared to other Dewar’s offerings, the 15-year expression is a clear step up. It boasts a smoother texture and a more pleasant flavor profile, free from any harshness or unwanted burn.
Considering Value
While the price of Dewar’s 15 might seem appealing at first glance, it’s important to compare it to other options in the market. Several blended Scotches within a similar price range can offer comparable or even more enjoyable taste experiences.
Aberfeldy 12: A Single Malt Option
For those seeking a deeper and more characterful whisky, Aberfeldy 12 Single Malt is a great alternative. Not only is it slightly more affordable, but it also serves as a key malt component in the Dewar’s blend. This means Aberfeldy 12 can offer some shared flavors with Dewar’s 15, but potentially presented in a different light.
The Final Sip
Dewar’s 15 is a smooth and enjoyable blended Scotch that represents an improvement over other expressions in the brand. However, considering the presence of strong competitors at similar prices, it’s worth exploring the broader market before making a purchase decision.
Glenfiddich 12: A Smooth Speyside Introduction
- Similar to: Bowmore 12
Delicate & Welcoming Aroma
Glenfiddich 12 opens with a delicate and inviting aroma. Imagine a gentle melody of floral notes intertwined with hints of ripe fruits and honey. This welcoming scent sets the perfect tone for a smooth and approachable whisky experience.
Solid Body & Fruity Taste
The first sip offers a medium-bodied mouthfeel, not too heavy but providing a good foundation for the flavors. Sweetness takes center stage, with fresh fruits leading the way, followed by a subtle pear note and a comforting presence of oak in the background.
Clean & Playful Finish
The finish is moderate in length, leaving no lingering warmth behind. Playful notes of pear and oak linger on the tongue for a pleasant aftertaste.
Great for New Whisky Drinkers
This Glenfiddich expression is a perfect introduction for those new to the world of Scotch whisky. Its clean, smooth profile avoids any harshness or smokiness, making it easy to sip and appreciate for beginners. However, seasoned whisky enthusiasts might find it a bit too simple and lacking in complexity.
Mellow & Balanced
Glenfiddich 12 offers a mellow and fruity character, striking a good balance between sweetness and oak influence. It doesn’t have any extreme flavor peaks, but it also avoids any unpleasant surprises. This balanced approach makes it a reliable choice for those seeking a pleasant and uncomplicated dram.
Ideal Starting Point
The affordability and smooth character of Glenfiddich 12 make it a highly recommended single malt whisky for beginners. It’s a great stepping stone for individuals who are starting to explore the world of whisky and its diverse flavor profiles.
Glenfiddich 12 Facts
- Aged for 12 years in a combination of American oak and European sherry casks.
- Founded by William Grant in 1887.
- The best-selling single malt whisky worldwide.
- Produced in Speyside, a region known for smooth and creamy whiskies often matured in sherry casks.
- Owned by William Grant & Sons, a company that also owns other spirits brands.
In Conclusion
Glenfiddich 12 is a perfect introduction to Speyside single malt whiskies. Its approachable character, smooth taste, and affordable price make it a great choice for new whisky drinkers. While it might not be complex enough for seasoned enthusiasts, it serves as a great starting point for anyone beginning their whisky exploration journey.
How do they differ?
Dewar’s is a blended whisky, while Glenfiddich is a Single Malt.
Dewar’s is a blend of 40 grain and single malt whiskies, each aged for a minimum of 15 years, crafted at various distilleries across Scotland.
Glenfiddich 12, on the other hand, is a single malt whisky made exclusively from malted barley and distilled at a single distillery.
It’s important to note that being a Single Malt doesn’t automatically imply superiority, as demonstrated by Johnnie Walker Blue Label, which reigns as the king of blends, showcasing the remarkable art of blending whiskies.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Dewar’s 15 | $37 |
| Glenfiddich 12 | $36 |