Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 06:26 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.
Explore the distinctions between Glengoyne 12 and Glengoyne 15 in this thorough analysis, and determine which Single Malt better suits your preference.
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
Glengoyne 12 vs Glengoyne 15: Comparison
Glengoyne 12: Delivers a rich blend of honey, caramel, and sherry on the palate with a long coffee and vanilla finish. A smooth, accessible option for any occasion.
Glengoyne 15: Offers a robust oak and sherry flavor profile with a medium caramel and oak spice finish. A solid, unpeated choice for those seeking subtlety and smoothness.
Verdict: Glengoyne 12 and Glengoyne 15 both exemplify the distillery’s commitment to producing smooth, unpeated whiskies. The 12-year-old variant shines with its sweet and well-rounded flavors, ideal for newcomers and enthusiasts alike, while the 15-year-old offers depth and complexity, catering to those who appreciate a nuanced sipping experience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Glengoyne Whisky Picks
Glengoyne 12: A Smooth Speyside Delight for Every Occasion
- 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
Glengoyne 12 is a Speyside single malt scotch whisky appreciated for its smoothness, well-rounded flavor profile, and accessibility.
Aroma: The nose welcomes you with a richness of honey, complemented by notes of toasted barley and a hint of fresh apple.
Taste: The first sip delivers a creamy texture that leads to a full-bodied palate. Upfront flavors of caramel and sherry greet the taste buds, followed by toasty oak and vanilla. A subtle oak spice balances the sweetness, creating a harmonious taste experience.
Finish: The finish is enduring, leaving lingering hints of espresso coffee and vanilla.
Overall: This unpeated whisky offers a straightforward yet intriguing flavor profile, making it suitable for various occasions, from casual gatherings to after-dinner drinks. Its smooth and sweet character lacks harshness and may be appreciated by those who find peated whiskies challenging. Compared to similar 12-year-old options like Glenfiddich 12, Glengoyne 12 is said to provide a more nuanced and interesting sipping experience.
Glengoyne 12 facts:
- Personally recognized as one of the most favored 12-year-old Scotch whiskies.
- Awarded several accolades, including Bronze at the 2021 World Whisky Awards and Silver medals at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and International Wine & Spirit Competition.
- Unfiltered and presented in its natural color, showcasing its authentic character.
Glengoyne 15: A Solid, Unpeated Option with a Pleasant Touch
- Nose: Cheerios, vanilla, caramel, oak
- Palate: Oak, sherry, roasted nuts, caramel, lemon peel
- Finish: Medium, caramel, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Glengoyne 18
Glengoyne 15 is a Speyside single malt scotch whisky known for its smoothness, unpeated character, and reasonable price point. While not the most complex or exciting dram, it offers a solid and enjoyable experience.
Aroma: The nose presents a distinctive “Cheerios” cereal note with underlying hints of vanilla, caramel, and a subtle touch of oak.
Taste: Despite its lower alcohol content (43% ABV), the palate boasts a surprisingly thick and dense texture. Oak takes center stage in the flavor profile, followed by a subtle hint of sherry, roasted nuts, caramel, and a touch of lemon peel.
Finish: The finish is of medium length, lingering with notes of caramel and oak spice, and concluding with a mild warming sensation characteristic of Scotch.
Overall: This unpeated whisky is described as neither unpleasant nor particularly outstanding. The nose is appealing, the palate is somewhat understated, and the finish is moderately long with a gentle warmth. Though not the most thrilling option, it is attractively priced for a 15-year-old Speyside and serves as a good choice for those seeking a smooth and unpeated dram.
Glengoyne 15 facts:
- The barley used is air-dried, resulting in a lighter and less smoky character compared to whiskies using peat-fired malting.
- It is unfiltered and free of artificial colors, allowing its natural character to shine through.
- Awarded a Gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).
- Aged in a combination of casks, including 30% first fill American oak, some first fill sherry casks, and the remainder in refill casks.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Glengoyne 12 | $60 |
| Glengoyne 15 | $80 |