Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 01:28 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 Glenlivet 12 vs Glenrothes 12 in this head-to-head comparison and decide which Single Malt 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
Glenlivet 12 vs Glenrothes 12: Which to Buy?
Glenlivet 12: Creamy vanilla and ripe fruit taste with a short, sweet honey finish. Perfect for those new to Scotch, preferring simple, smooth flavors.
Glenrothes 12: Sherried, sweet aroma with a creamy palate of hazelnut and honey. Ideal for fans of sweet, sherried whiskies seeking smoothness.
Verdict: Both Glenlivet 12 and Glenrothes 12 excel in providing a smooth, enjoyable experience. Glenlivet 12 is celebrated for its straightforward, vanilla-rich profile, whereas Glenrothes 12 is appreciated for its sweet, sherried taste, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Both make good choices for those new to Scotch Whisky.
Glenlivet 12: A Smooth and Easy Speyside Single Malt
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Bowmore 12
Glenlivet 12 offers a gentle aroma of toasted cereal, honey, and pear. The taste is smooth and creamy, dominated by vanilla with hints of fruit. The finish is short and sweet, lingering with vanilla essence.
Great for:
- Newcomers to Scotch – Easy-drinking and smooth with no harshness.
- Those who enjoy vanilla-forward and sweet whiskies.
Things to keep in mind:
- Described as “plain vanilla” by some due to its simple flavor profile.
- May lack the complexity sought by experienced Scotch drinkers.
Glenlivet 12 is aged in ex-bourbon and European oak casks and is known for its smoothness and vanilla notes. It’s a good choice for those new to Scotch or those who prefer a simple and easy-drinking whisky. However, if you’re looking for a more complex flavor profile, you might want to consider exploring other options.
Additional facts:
- Aged for 12 years.
- Uses wooden washbacks during fermentation.
- Best-selling single malt in the United States.
- Awarded Gold at the International Spirits Challenge.
- Owned by Pernod Ricard.
Glenrothes 12: A Sweet and Sherry-Infused Single Malt
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Macallan 12
Glenrothes 12 offers a distinct sherry aroma with hints of baked apple and vanilla. While generally smooth and sweet, some may find a faint sulfuric note on the nose.
The taste:
- Creamy with flavors of honey, hazelnut, chocolate, and melon.
- Short finish blending melon with a slightly bitter oak spice.
- Adding water reveals caramel but doesn’t significantly improve the finish.
Great for:
- Those who enjoy sherried whiskies with a sweet and smooth profile.
Things to keep in mind:
- Some may find the sulfuric note and slightly bitter finish off-putting.
- May lack the complexity desired by experienced Scotch drinkers.
Glenrothes 12 is aged in sherry casks and has received various accolades, including “95 points & Great Value” at the 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge. It offers a distinct sherried character for those who enjoy this profile, but for others, the potential off-notes might make exploring other options worthwhile.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Glenlivet 12 | $50 |
| Glenrothes 12 | $51 |