Last Updated on: 11th June 2024, 01:03 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 everything about Glengoyne 12 in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!
Reviewed by: J Highland
Glengoyne 12: A Smooth Speyside Dram for Everyday Enjoyment
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
The Glengoyne 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky offers a delightful balance between accessibility and complexity. While not the most intricate whisky, it delivers a harmonious and smooth drinking experience, perfect for any occasion.
Strengths:
- Well-Balanced and Easy Drinking: A step up from basic Speyside malts like Glenfiddich 12 or Glenlivet 12, Glengoyne 12 provides a more interesting flavor profile without overwhelming complexity.
- Smooth and Sweet: Free from harshness, it boasts a pleasant sweetness that makes it enjoyable for a wide range of palates.
- Unique Speyside Character: Unlike many Speyside whiskies, Glengoyne 12 undergoes air-drying of the malted barley, resulting in a dram absent of smoke or peat flavors. This caters to those who prefer a more traditional Speyside taste.
Possible Weaknesses:
- May Lack Complexity for Experienced Whisky Drinkers: Those seeking a highly complex whisky might find the Glengoyne 12 a bit one-dimensional.
Verdict:
The Glengoyne 12 year old is a solid Speyside single malt that excels in smoothness and drinkability. Its balanced sweetness and lack of smoke or peat make it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy traditional Speyside flavors or want to explore beyond basic Speyside whiskies.
While it might not be the most intricate dram, it certainly earns its place on the list of great 12-year-old single malts, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
- Related: Discover the Best Glengoyne Whisky
- Learn more: Glengoyne 12 Website
What’s special about Glengoyne 12?
Glengoyne employs a technique of air blowing the malted barley instead of using peat fire for drying, resulting in a whisky that is completely devoid of any smoky flavors.
Additionally, this whisky is unfiltered and free of artificial caramel coloring.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Toasted barley, apples, honey
- Palate: Caramel, sherry, oak, vanilla
- Finish: Long, coffee, vanilla, oak
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Glengoyne 10
The nose brings notes of honey, toasted barley, and fresh apples.
When tasted, the whisky offers a creamy and thick texture, accompanied by flavors of caramel, sherry, toasty oak, and vanilla.
A hint of oak spice brings a well-balanced touch to the overall sweetness.
The finish is long-lasting, featuring subtle notes of espresso coffee, along with vanilla and oak.
Glengoyne 12 FAQ
What makes Glengoyne 12 special?
- Smooth, smoke-free malt with unique character.
- Stands out from smoky Speyside malts like Glenlivet and Glenfiddich.
- Rivals the benchmark Macallan 12 Double Cask in quality.
Alternatives
- Consider Glenfarclas 12 for a similar profile with a slightly warmer feel.
Is Glengoyne 12 smoky?
- No, Glengoyne 12 is unique for being entirely unsmoked. Perfect for those who prefer a light and approachable malt.
Is it chill-filtered?
- Yes, Glengoyne 12 is non-chill-filtered, potentially offering more complex flavors for whisky purists.
Does it use caramel coloring?
- No artificial coloring is added, giving it a natural golden hue.
What’s the meaning behind the name Glengoyne?
- “Glen Guin” translates to “valley of the wild geese,” reflecting the distillery’s location.
Unique Production Process:
- Crafted with rare Golden Promise barley for a distinctive flavor profile.
- Slow distillation process sets it apart from other Speyside distilleries.
- Aged in a mix of sherry and ex-bourbon casks for a well-rounded taste.
How to drink Glengoyne 12?
- Traditionally enjoyed neat or with a splash of water to enhance the aroma and flavors.
Alcohol content:
- Bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof).
Does Glengoyne 12 expire?
- Properly stored whisky lasts for years, but consume the remaining 25% sooner to enjoy optimal flavor.
How did I review Glengoyne 12?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.
Glengoyne 12: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Single Malt |
| Age statement | 12Y |
| Proof | 86 |
| ABV | 43% |
| Is it good? | Yes |
| Is it top-shelf? | No |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Moderately |
| Warm? | No |
| Peaty? | No |
| Good for beginners? | Yes |
| Good for cocktails? | No |
| Good with Coke? | No |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |
| Kosher | No |