Dewar’s 12 vs Glenlivet 12

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:08 pm

Discover the differences between Dewar’s White Label vs Glenlivet 12 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Scotch is better for You!

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 vs Glenlivet: Comparison

Dewar’s 12: A well-balanced blend with citrus and smoky hints, featuring a sweet and spicy palate with a medium finish. Ideal for those seeking a straightforward dram.

Glenlivet 12: A Speyside single malt known for its light, approachable profile with vanilla and ripe fruit flavors. Offers a short finish. Perfect for beginners or as a gentle sipper.

Verdict: Dewar’s 12 and Glenlivet 12 cater to different tastes within the whisky spectrum. Dewar’s 12 presents a more balanced blend with subtle complexity, suitable for everyday enjoyment. Glenlivet 12 serves as an easy entry point into single malts, emphasizing smoothness over depth. Both provide a pleasant experience, depending on whether you favor blends or single malts for your whisky journey, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: My Favorite 12-Year-Old Whiskies

Dewar’s 12: Well-Balanced and Unpretentious (But Maybe Not Your Nightcap Holy Grail)

• Nose: Lime, orange, apricot, pear
• Palate: Lime, orange, caramel, vanilla
• Finish: Medium, oak spice, pepper
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Dewar’s 15

Your review of Dewar’s 12 highlights its balance and improvement over its predecessor. Let’s dive deeper to see if it’s the perfect dram for your nightcap ritual:

A Citrusy Nose with a Smoky Hint:

The initial lime and orange notes paint a fresh and inviting picture, followed by the sweetness of apricot and pear. The subtle smoke adds intrigue without overwhelming the other aromas.

Sweet and Spicy Symphony on the Palate:

Lime and orange continue their leading role, joined by the comforting sweetness of caramel and vanilla. Hints of cinnamon and pepper add a touch of complexity, keeping things interesting.

A Short Finish with Gentle Warmth:

The mild oak spice, pepper, and delicate smoke linger in the finish, offering a satisfying conclusion without overstaying their welcome.

So, Is it Good? A Solid Sip, But Maybe Not a Showstopper:

• Well-Rounded and Improved: You rightly acknowledge the improved balance compared to the previous version, making it a more pleasing experience.
• Flavorful but Not Memorable: It delivers a decent flavor profile without leaving a lasting impression, which might be a missed opportunity for some.
• Straightforward and Enjoyable: Its lack of complexity makes it a good choice for those seeking a simple and unpretentious nightcap.

The Verdict: A Reliable Friend, But Maybe Not Your Soulmate:

Dewar’s 12 delivers on its promise of a well-rounded and flavorful experience. It’s a solid option for everyday enjoyment, especially for those who appreciate a straightforward but not overwhelming dram. However, if you’re looking for a nightcap that leaves you with a lingering memory of complex flavors, you might want to explore further.

Remember, the world of whisky is vast and exciting, and there’s a perfect dram for every occasion and palate. So, keep exploring and find your ideal nightcap companion!

Dewar’s facts:

• Dewar’s is a blend of 40 grain and malt whiskies made in several distilleries across Scotland and aged for six months in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks before bottling.

• This brand is owned by Bacardi, based in the Bahamas along with other top brands like Tequila Patron, Grey Goose, Aberfeldy, and Cazadores Tequila, among others.

Glenlivet 12: Smooth Sailing or Vanilla Plainness? (It Depends on Your Voyage)

• 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: Redbreast 12

Your review of Glenlivet 12 paints a clear picture of this popular Speyside single malt. Let’s break it down and see if it’s the perfect dram for you:

A Nose of Familiar Delights:

You describe the aroma as light, with toasted cereal, honey, and pear notes. This aligns with its reputation as a smooth and approachable whisky, lacking peat or smoke.

Creamy Smoothness on the Palate:

The exceptionally smooth texture and vanilla-fruit flavors further emphasize its beginner-friendly character. Some might find it straightforward, bordering on “plain vanilla,” while others appreciate its mellow richness.

A Fleeting Finish:

The short finish with honey and vanilla echoes the initial notes, providing a consistent, if not complex, experience.

So, Is it Good? Depends on Your Destination:

• New to Whisky? Absolutely! Glenlivet 12 makes an excellent starting point, introducing you to the world of Scotch without overwhelming your palate.
• Seasoned Explorer? You might find it lacking in depth and excitement. The lack of complexity could leave you yearning for more adventurous drams.

Water: Your Flavor Guide:

Adding a splash of water unlocks hidden dimensions. Rich floral notes emerge, and the sweetness intensifies, offering a fuller experience, especially following the traditional Scottish way.

Mixing Matters:

While Glenlivet 12 functions as a mixer, using a more affordable and peppier option like Jameson or Chivas Regal could add more character to your cocktails.

The Verdict: Smooth Sailing or Vanilla Plainness?

Glenlivet 12 delivers on its promise of smooth and effortless enjoyment. It’s a great gateway whisky for beginners, and its classic profile never goes out of style. However, if you seek intense flavors and complex layers, other drams might better suit your palate.

So, choose your Glenlivet 12 adventure: a smooth introduction to the world of Scotch or a stepping stone to more exciting discoveries. Remember, the whisky journey is all about exploration, and there’s a perfect dram waiting for every taste bud!

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Dewar’s White Label	$20
Glenlivet 12	$33

How do Glenlivet 12 and Dewar’s 12 differ?

There is a significant distinction between these whiskies that should be noted:

Dewar’s is a blend of multiple malt and grain whiskies sourced from various distilleries throughout Scotland, aged for a minimum of 12 years in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks before bottling.

Glenlivet, on the other hand, is a single malt Scotch, made exclusively from malted barley at a single distillery. It undergoes 12 years of aging using a combination of American and European casks.

While single malts are not inherently superior to blended whiskies, they generally provide a safer choice in terms of quality.