Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:29 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.
Discover the differences between Glenfiddich 12 vs Highland Park 12 in this head-to-head comparison and decide which Whisky 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
Glenfiddich 12 vs Highland Park 12: Comparison
Glenfiddich 12: Ideal for newcomers to single malt whisky, offering a smooth, easy-drinking experience with fruity sweetness and a hint of oak. Perfect introductory bottle.
Highland Park 12: Offers a balance of sweet and peat, with floral, citrus, and smoky notes, providing a complex and warming experience for those exploring peaty whiskies.
Verdict: Both Glenfiddich 12 and Highland Park 12 excel in their categories, offering distinct experiences suited to different preferences. Glenfiddich 12 is a gateway to the world of Scotch, appealing for its smoothness and approachability. Highland Park 12, with its nuanced balance of smoke and sweetness, caters to those seeking depth and complexity, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: 12-Year Whisky Top Recommendations
Highland Park 12: A Journey Between Sweet and Peat
- 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
- Similar to: Bunnahabhain 12
- Smoke level: 😮💨😮💨
Aromatic Adventure: Highland Park 12 takes you on a floral exploration, with bright citrus cutting through and a touch of honeyed sweetness. But wait, there’s more! A hint of smoke lurks in the background, adding intrigue and hinting at its island origins.
Palate Play: This dram might be lighter in body than some heavyweights, but it compensates with smoothness and sweetness. Imagine honeycomb drizzled with iodine, balanced by a subtle smokiness. It’s like a gentle wave caressing the palate, leaving a peppery kick as it recedes.
Lingering Impression: The finish is short and sweet, with a touch of oak rounding things off. While it might fade quickly, adding a few drops of water is said to unlock meaty notes, adding complexity to the experience.
A Gateway to Peat?: Sitting between the potent Islay peats and the honeyed smoothness of Speyside, Highland Park 12 offers a balanced introduction to the world of peaty whiskies. If you’re curious about peat but hesitant to jump into the deep end, this approachable dram might be your perfect first sip.
Bonus Bites:
- Aged in sherry casks, giving it its unique sweet and smoky character.
- All-natural, free of artificial additives, colorings, or sweeteners.
- Historic heritage, dating back to 1798 and being the northernmost single malt distillery in Scotland.
- Part of the Edrington Group, alongside other renowned brands like Macallan and The Famous Grouse.
So, if you’re ready to explore the smoky side of Scotch with a gentle guide, give Highland Park 12 a try. You might just discover a new favorite!
Glenfiddich 12: A Gentle Sip into Scotch
- 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: Grangestone 12
- Smoke level: Zero
Uncorking a Classic: Glenfiddich 12 is a single malt Scotch whisky renowned for its approachable nature, making it a perfect gateway for those venturing into the world of peaty drams and smoky finishes.
Aromatic Allure: On the nose, think delicate florals dancing with sweet hints of honey and orchard fruits. Imagine a gentle summer breeze carrying the fragrance of sun-ripened pears and apples.
Palate Pleaser: Take a sip, and a light-bodied sweetness washes over you, accompanied by a touch of fruity charm reminiscent of pears and a subtle toasty oak whisper. It’s smooth and remarkably easy on the palate, leaving no room for harshness or heat.
The Lingering Goodbye: The finish is smooth and medium-length, leaving a pleasant aftertaste of pear and oak. It’s not complex, but it’s certainly satisfying.
Perfect for: This is a whisky for everyone, especially those new to the world of single malts. Its gentle nature makes it ideal for enjoying neat or on the rocks, allowing the flavors to shine. While it might not blow away seasoned whisky veterans, it’s a reliable and crowd-pleasing choice for any occasion.
Bonus Bits:
- Aged in a blend of used American oak and European sherry casks, giving it its unique character.
- Founded in 1887 by William Grant, making it a heritage brand rich in history.
- Top-selling single malt worldwide, a testament to its universal appeal.
- Part of the William Grant & Sons family, alongside other renowned brands like Balvenie and Tullamore D.E.W.
So, if you’re curious about Scotch but hesitant to dive into intense flavors, give Glenfiddich 12 a try. It might just be the beginning of a beautiful journey!
Price Comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Highland Park 12 | $54 |
| Glenfiddich 12 | $36 |