Last Updated on: 20th December 2023, 10:21 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.
The heavyweight showdown of Speyside single malt Scotch: Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, and Macallan – but which reigns supreme?
Written by: J Highland
Glenfiddich vs Glenlivet vs Macallan: Which Wins?
Macallan 12 is the most interesting and rewarding
Overall, Macallan’s releases outperform those from Glenlivet and Glenfiddich, and this holds true even for their 12-year entry-level offerings.
Among the three, The Macallan stands out as the most complex, flavorful, and interesting option.
It offers a more robust experience without being harsh.
Its oaky flavor profile is best appreciated by experienced whisky enthusiasts.
For newcomers to single malts, I recommend starting with either Glenlivet or Glenfiddich.
They are more affordable and easier to sip, allowing you to build your taste preferences gradually.
Glenlivet 12
- Nose: Toasted cereal, honey, pear
- Palate: Vanilla, ripe fruit
- Finish: Short, honey, vanilla
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat, add water
- Similar to: Jameson
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Taste:
The nose offers faint hints of toasted cereal, honey, and pear.
Glenlivet 12 is creamy and smooth on the palate, featuring vanilla and fruity notes.
The finish is short with sweet and vanilla flavors.
Is it good?
Glenlivet 12 is incredibly smooth with a mellow profile of vanilla and honey.
It lacks complexity but is easy to drink, in fact, you will be hard-pressed to find an easier-drinking Scotch than this.
Adding a splash of water enhances the sweetness and floral notes. It works well neat or with water.
Glenlivet 12 facts:
- Aged for 12 years in ex-bourbon and European oak casks.
- Utilizes wooden washbacks for fermentation, contributing to the whisky’s unique flavor.
- The best-selling single malt in the United States.
- Received Gold at the International Spirits Challenge.
- Owned by Pernod-Ricard, a French drinks conglomerate with various brands, including Chivas Regal.
Glenfiddich 12
- Nose: Floral, ripe fruit, honey
- Palate: Fruity sweetness, pear, oak
- Finish: Medium, pear, oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Auchentoshan 12
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Taste:
The nose reveals light floral and fruity notes, with a touch of honey.
On the palate, a decent body showcases fruity sweetness and hints of pear and oak.
The finish is moderate, without any noticeable warmth, leaving a subtle pear and oak aftertaste.
Is it good?
Glenfiddich 12 is a smooth and mellow whisky, perfect for newcomers to Scotch or those seeking a clean and sweet experience.
Just as smooth as the Glenlivet 12 but with an evident pear note to it along with oak.
Though not complex, it remains a solid and affordable option in the world of single malt whisky.
Glenfiddich 12 facts:
- Aged for 12 years in a mix of American oak and European sherry oak casks.
- Established on Christmas Day 1887 by founder William Grant.
- The world’s top-selling single malt.
- A Speyside whisky known for its smooth, creamy, and fruity characteristics, often aged in Sherry casks.
- Owned by William Grant & Sons, which also owns Balvenie, Tullamore D.E.W., Monkey Shoulder, and other brands.
Macallan 12 Double Cask
- Nose: Sherry, dried fruit, oak
- Palate: Oak, baking spice, chocolate
- Finish: Long, oak, baking spice
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Yamazaki 12
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Taste:
The nose is sweet, and rich with sherry, dried fruit, and oak.
On the palate, the Double Cask starts with oak, followed by bitter chocolate, sherry, and a hint of citrus.
It has a pleasant warmth and is not overly hot.
The finish is long, with more oak, dried fruit, and a touch of spice.
Is it good?
Macallan Double Cask 12 offers rich flavors, balanced sweetness, a hint of chocolate, and a pleasing warmth.
Perhaps a bit high in oak which might overwhelming for new drinkers, yet entirely satisfying.
To make the most out of it, pair it with a Cuban cigar next to the fireplace.
Not recommended as a mixer due to its price.
Double Cask facts:
- Aged for 12 years in a combination of American and European oak casks seasoned with Spanish sherry wine.
- Awarded Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2017.
- Received a Gold Medal & 95 points rating from the International Review of Spirits Tasting in 2017.
- Founded in 1824, the Macallan Distillery is located in Craigellachie, Moray.
- Macallan does not use caramel coloring, despite it being allowed under Scotch whisky regulations.
- A Speyside Whisky, known for its lack of peat, fruit-forward profile, and aging in Sherry casks.
Price Comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Glenlivet 12 | $50 |
| Glenfiddich 12 | $50 |
| Macallan 12 Double Cask | $75 |