Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:09 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.
Discover the differences between Glenfiddich 12, Glenfiddich 15, and Glenfiddich 18 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Single Malt is best 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
Glenfiddich 12 vs 15 vs 18: Comparison
- Glenfiddich 12: Light and approachable with floral, ripe fruit, and honey notes. Fruity sweetness with a medium finish. Ideal for Scotch beginners.
- Glenfiddich 15 Solera Reserve: Sherry and orange dominate, with cinnamon and ginger. Balanced, smooth, and easy-drinking with a medium sherry finish.
- Glenfiddich 18: Apple, citrus, and cinnamon on the nose, with nuts and ripe fruit on the palate. Smooth, with a short sherry and oak finish.
Verdict: Each Glenfiddich offers a unique entry point into Scotch whisky, catering to varying tastes and preferences. The 12 is best for newcomers, the 15 offers a middle ground with its sherry influence, and the 18 provides a mature and balanced experience. All three represent good value, providing a smooth and accessible introduction to Scotch, states whisky expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Glenfiddich Whisky Picks
Glenfiddich 12: A Gentle and Approachable Speyside Single Malt
- Nose: Floral, ripe fruit, honey
- Palate: Fruity sweetness, pear, oak
- Finish: Medium, pear, oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Glenlivet 12
Light & Inviting: Glenfiddich 12 opens with a gentle and inviting bouquet of floral and fruity aromas, accompanied by a touch of honey.
Sweet & Fruity: The taste offers a delightful upfront sweetness with fruity notes and a subtle hint of pear, followed by a light touch of oak.
Smooth Finish: The finish is moderate in length, smooth with no noticeable warmth, leaving behind lingering traces of pear and oak.
Perfect for Beginners: This Speyside single malt is an excellent introduction to the world of scotch for those new to the spirit. Its approachable character is further enhanced by its affordable price tag.
Clean & Mellow: While not complex, Glenfiddich 12 is enjoyable for its smooth, mellow, and fruity character. It lacks harshness or smokiness, making it ideal for individuals curious about single malt scotch or even new to spirits in general.
A Popular Entry Point: Many, including myself, have begun their single malt journey with Glenfiddich 12 due to its:
- Approachability: Easy-drinking and beginner-friendly profile.
- Affordability: Accessible price point.
- Smoothness: Pleasant and mellow taste.
Glenfiddich 12 Facts:
- Aged for 12 years in a combination of used American oak and European sherry oak casks.
- Holds the title of the best-selling single malt scotch whisky globally.
Glenfiddich 15: A Smooth and Sherry-Forward Single Malt
- Nose: Sherry, orange, oak
- Palate: Sherry, orange, cinnamon, ginger, oak
- Finish: Oak spice, sherry
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Macallan 15
Sherry & Orange: Glenfiddich 15 opens with a rich sherry aroma, accompanied by subtle hints of orange and oak.
Balanced & Smooth: The palate features a well-balanced body, offering a smooth and pleasant mouthfeel without being too heavy or thin.
Sweet & Spicy: The taste is dominated by flavors of sherry and light orange, with a delicate touch of spicy ginger and oak following through.
Medium Sherry Finish: The finish is medium-length, featuring a mild oak spice and a consistent presence of the sherry note, echoing the aroma.
Easy-Drinking but Straightforward: This Speyside single malt is smooth, sweet, and easy to drink, showcasing prominent sherry and orange notes. While not the most complex whisky, it offers good value for its price and a pleasant drinking experience.
Tailoring the Sweetness: For those who prefer a touch less spice on the finish, adding a few drops of water can enhance the sweeter aspects of the taste.
Everyday Sherry-Forward Choice: Overall, Glenfiddich 15 is a straightforward and affordable single malt with a strong emphasis on sherry, making it a decent everyday drinking option.
Glenfiddich 15 Facts:
- Aged in a unique three-cask maturation process involving ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and new virgin American oak casks.
- Finished in a Solera System, similar to sherry wine aging, for additional complexity.
- Married in Portuguese oak tuns for consistency.
Glenfiddich 18: A Balanced, Sweet, and Easy-Drinking Single Malt
- Nose: Apple, citrus, cinnamon, oak
- Palate: Nuts, ripe fruit, honey, baking spice
- Finish: Short, sherry, oak
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Chivas Regal 18
Apple & Spice: Glenfiddich 18 opens with a delightful nose of apple juice, complemented by subtle hints of citrus, cinnamon, and oak, with the oak becoming more prominent upon further exploration.
Balanced & Fruity: The taste offers a pleasant balance of moderate sweetness and fruitiness, creating an enjoyable drinking experience without being overwhelming. Subtle touches of honey and roasted apple emerge, along with a smooth and gentle texture.
Easy-Drinking Finish: While not exceptionally long-lasting, the finish is easy-drinking and features a slight oaky taste with a touch of sherry.
Sweet Spot of Aging: This Speyside single malt achieves an excellent balance, avoiding excessive woodiness sometimes found in older whiskies while preserving enough sweetness.
Unremarkable Yet Enjoyable: Glenfiddich 18 offers a smooth and sweet experience aged in Oloroso sherry casks and bourbon barrels, without any harsh flavors or controversial characteristics. It lacks strong alcohol burn, smokiness, peat, or complex notes, making it ideal for those who prefer a simple and pleasant dram.
Affordable Luxury: Glenfiddich 18 is one of the most affordable 18-year-old single malts on the market, adding to its appeal for budget-conscious enthusiasts.
Glenfiddich 18 Facts:
- Aged in a combination of Oloroso sherry casks and bourbon casks.
- Known for its balanced and approachable profile.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Glenfiddich 12 | $34 |
| Glenfiddich 15 | $68 |
| Glenfiddich 18 | $115 |