Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:24 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 distinctions between Glenlivet 14 and Macallan 12 in my direct comparison, and decide which Single Malt suits your preference better!
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 14 vs Macallan 12: Comparison
Glenlivet 14: Delivers a smooth, fruity experience with a unique twist from Cognac barrel finishing, offering notes of honey, raisins, and dark chocolate. It’s an inviting blend of tradition and innovation.
The Macallan 12 Double Cask: A rich, sherry-infused Scotch with a spicy oak finish. It’s well-suited for those new to sherry-aged whiskies, offering a warm, complex sip.
Verdict: Both Glenlivet 14 and The Macallan 12 Double Cask showcase their unique aging processes, providing whisky lovers with distinct, flavorful experiences. Glenlivet 14 leans towards fruity and sweet, while The Macallan 12 offers a deeper, oak flavor journey, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Speyside Selections
Glenlivet 14: Fruity Twist on a Classic
- Nose: Ripe fruit, citrus, grape
- Palate: Honey, raisins, apple, dark chocolate
- Finish: Medium, spice, fruit
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve
Fruity & Smooth: The Glenlivet 14 opens with a rich aroma of citrus and grapes. On the tongue, it’s smooth and oily, with honey leading the way alongside hints of raisins, apple, and dark chocolate. The finish is long and warming, with a gentle spice that doesn’t overpower.
Unique Aging: This whisky stands out for its special aging process. After maturing in ex-bourbon and sherry casks, it spends time in Cognac barrels. This gives it a unique flavor profile with notes of ripe fruit, raisin, and chocolate, similar to French Cognac. Think of it as a fruitier, slightly warmer version of the Glenlivet 12.
Glenlivet 14 Facts:
- Aged 14 years in ex-bourbon and sherry casks, finished in Cognac barrels.
- Made using traditional wooden washbacks for fermentation.
- 94 points at the 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
- Founded in 1824, Glenlivet has a rich history of crafting single malt Scotch.
The Macallan 12 Double Cask: A Sweet & Spicy Sherry-Kissed Scotch
- Nose: Sherry, dried fruit, mixed nuts
- Palate: Baking spice, oak, chocolate
- Finish: Oak, dried fruit, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Balvenie 12
Sweet start, warming finish: The Macallan 12 Double Cask’s aroma is a delightful mix of sherry, oak, and dried fruits. The taste starts with a strong oak presence, but then unfolds with hints of sherry, chocolate, and orange peel, leaving a warm, spicy finish with lingering oak and dried fruit.
Good for beginners, but oaky: This whisky offers a rich flavor with a touch of chocolate, spice, and warmth, but the oak character can be a bit strong, sometimes hiding other flavors. Adding a little water can soften the oak and make it smoother.
Double Cask info: Aged 12 years in both American and European sherry casks, this award-winning whisky is naturally colored and a good starting point for exploring sherry-matured Scotch whiskies.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Glenlivet 14 | $65 |
| Macallan 12 Double Cask | $80 |