Last Updated on: 30th April 2024, 05:42 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 everything about the Glenlivet 12 Single Malt Scotch Whisky in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!
Reviewed by: J Highland
The Glenlivet 12: A Smooth Introduction to Speyside Single Malts
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky seems to be your perfect entry point into Scotch. Here’s a breakdown of why it works well for beginners:
Pros for Beginners:
- Smooth and Easy Drinking: This expression avoids harshness, peat, smoke, and complex flavors, making it approachable for those new to spirits in general.
- Vanilla & Honey Notes: The pleasant and familiar notes of vanilla and honey create a welcoming and enjoyable flavor profile.
- Straightforward Experience: The Glenlivet 12 offers a clear and uncomplicated taste profile, allowing you to grasp the essence of Speyside single malts without feeling overwhelmed.
- Great Starting Point: If you’re new to Scotch or single malts, this is a fantastic introduction to the category.
Overall:
The Glenlivet 12 is a smooth and approachable Speyside single malt Scotch that prioritizes easy drinking over complexity. This makes it a perfect starting point for those new to Scotch or single malts in general. It delivers a pleasurable and non-demanding experience, allowing you to appreciate the core characteristics of Speyside whiskies, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
- Related: Smoothest Single Malt Whiskies
- Learn more: Glenlivet 12 Website
Tasting Notes
- 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: Glen Grant 12
The nose of Glenlivet 12 unveils delicate hints of toasted cereal, honey, and pear.
When sipped, the entry is smooth, with very little to no heat, showing distinct flavors of vanilla and fruit.
The finish, while relatively brief, leaves behind lingering sweet and vanilla notes that enhance the overall experience.
FAQ
A quick FAQ to address your doubts:
Is Glenlivet a smoky Scotch?
No, Glenlivet is not a smoky Scotch.
It is free from smoke, peat, and complicated tasting notes, offering a smooth and approachable profile.
Is it chill-filtered?
Yes, the Glenlivet 12 is chill-filtered.
This process, although standard in the industry, can be a point of contention among purists who argue that it may affect the whisky’s flavor.
Does it use caramel coloring?
Yes, Glenlivet utilizes caramel coloring.
While this practice is frowned upon by some traditional enthusiasts, the addition of caramel coloring is a personal disappointment, as I feel somewhat cheated.
How long is Glenlivet aged?
Glenlivet is aged for 12 years, predominantly in ex-bourbon and European oak casks.
How to drink it?
Adding a drop of water can enhance the whisky’s flavors and open up its rich floral notes, enhancing sweetness.
This is a common practice among Scots when drinking whisky.
Also read: How to Drink Glenlivet
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, Glenlivet 12 is an excellent Scotch for beginners.
It lacks harsh notes, smoke, or peat, making it a highly approachable and easy-drinking whisky.
What is the price?
Prices may vary, but the approximate prices in different countries are as follows:
- United States: $53
- Canada: $73
- UK: £38
- Australia: $70
Alcohol content
Glenlivet 12 is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV), which is the average alcohol content for Scotch Whisky.
Does it have an expiration date?
No, alcoholic beverages do not expire.
However, it is recommended to consume the whisky within a reasonable time frame once the content is down to 25%, as flavors may start to change past this level.
What are some awards and accolades received by Glenlivet 12?
It has been praised by the whisky expert Paul Pacult, who described it as “one of Speyside’s definitive malts.”
How is it made?
Glenlivet 12 is made using barley sourced from Crisp Maltings in Portgordon, Scotland.
After the barley is malted and mashed, it undergoes fermentation in wooden washbacks for approximately two days.
Glenlivet’s use of wooden washbacks, although more challenging and expensive to maintain, contributes to the whisky’s distinctive floral qualities.
Following distillation, the spirit is aged for a dozen years in a combination of American Oak and European Oak casks.
How did I review Glenlivet 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.
Glenlivet 12: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Single Malt |
| Age statement | 12Y |
| Proof | 80 |
| ABV | 40% |
| Is it good? | Yes |
| Is it top-shelf? | No |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Yes |
| 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 | Yes |