Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:37 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.
In my thorough analysis, explore variations between Glenlivet Illicit Still and Glenlivet 12, and choose the best 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 Illicit Still vs Glenlivet 12: Comparison
Glenlivet Illicit Still: Showcases a unique blend of melon, honey, and vanilla on both nose and palate, with a warm, fruity finish. This higher-proof, unfiltered whisky offers a distinct flavor profile, making it a notable departure from typical Glenlivet expressions.
Glenlivet 12: Known for its smooth, simple profile with toasted cereal, honey, and vanilla. Its approachability and gentle finish make it a favorite among beginners but may lack complexity for seasoned enthusiasts.
Verdict: While Glenlivet 12 serves as a smooth introduction to single malts, Glenlivet Illicit Still presents an intriguing and robust experience, catering to those seeking deep flavors from their whisky. Both have their place, with the Illicit Still offering a captivating alternative for those already familiar with Glenlivet’s classic offerings, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Glenlivet Best Whiskies
Glenlivet Illicit Still: A Different Glenlivet
- Nose: Melon, honey, vanilla, almond
- Palate: Melon, peaches, vanilla, honey
- Finish: Honey, peaches, apricot
- Alcohol content: 96 proof (48% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Bushmills Peaky Blinders
Intriguing Nose: The Illicit Still surprises with melon, honey, vanilla, and a hint of almond in the aroma.
Warm & Fruity: The taste is silky and warm, offering melon, peach, vanilla, and honey.
Lingering Finish: The finish is warming with lingering peach and apricot notes.
Unexpected Delight: Unlike some Glenlivets I’ve found simple, the Illicit Still is exceptional.
Unique Character: This unfiltered, higher-proof whisky boasts a distinct and lingering flavor that sets it apart.
Highly Recommended: Highly recommend giving the Illicit Still a try.
Inspired by History: The name and unfiltered nature pay homage to the distillery’s clandestine past.
Glenlivet 12: Smooth & Simple
- 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: Auchentoshan 12
Gentle Nose: Glenlivet 12 opens with a delicate aroma of toasted grains, honey, and pear. The palate is exceptionally smooth and creamy, featuring vanilla and fruity notes.
Short Finish: The finish is brief, offering lingering honey and vanilla sweetness.
Easy Sipper: This whisky is remarkably smooth and lacks any smoke or peat, making it approachable for beginners.
Vanilla Dominant: While abundant in vanilla and honey flavors, it may lack complexity, earning it the nickname “plain vanilla” among some enthusiasts.
Great for Beginners: Ideal for those new to Scotch, it can be enjoyed neat or with water for enhanced sweetness and floral notes.
Not Ideal for Cocktails: While usable in mixed drinks, more affordable and flavorful options might be better suited for cocktails.
Award-Winning & Popular:
- Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge.
- Top-selling single malt in the US.
- Owned by Pernod-Ricard, a major beverage company.
How do Glenlivet Illicit Still and Glenlivet 12 differ?
The primary distinctions between the Illicit Still and the standard Glenlivet 12 lie in their alcohol content and filtration process.
The Illicit Still is bottled at 48% ABV, while the 12-year-old variant sits at a mere 80 proof.
Additionally, the Illicit Still undergoes non-filtration.
Chill-filtering is implemented to prevent whisky from developing haziness, but it diminishes its valuable subtleties.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Glenlivet Illicit Still | $43 |
| Glenlivet 12 | $36 |