Grangestone 12 vs Glenlivet 12: Which Wins?

Discover the differences between Grangestone 12 vs Glenlivet 12 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Single Malt is better for You!

Grangestone 12

Nose	Alcohol, vanilla, oak
Palate	Sherry, honey, caramel, vanilla
Finish	Clove, oak spice
Alcohol content	80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink	Rocks
Similar to	Glenfiddich 12, Macallan 12

The nose brings a whiff of alcohol at first that gives way to vanilla and a tad of oak.

On the palate, the Grangestone feels a bit thin lacking in body. First sip is smooth and sweet, with hints of sherry, honey, caramel and vanilla.

The finish is short, with very little to no warmth with a hint of clove which is not much of my liking and a subtle touch of oak spice providing a bitter touch.

Adding water does very little to it as flavor and aroma remains unchanged.

Grangestone is completely unremarkable with nothing to write home about.

This malt is utterly inoffensive, with muted flavors making a good option for those looking for a super smooth and affordable Scotch to make easy drinking cocktails.

Far from being one of the best Single Malt Scotch Whiskies but works well in Scotch Highballs and can deliver a decent Rob Roy or any Whisky cocktail.

Grangestone 12 facts:

• The whisky is crafted at an undisclosed distillery in the Scottish Highlands.

• Grangestone is blended and bottled in Surrey, England.

• The company is owned by William Grant & Sons who produces Balvenie and Glenfiddich.

• Aged for 12 years in traditional oak casks.

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, rocks
Similar to	Bowmore 12, JW Black Label

The nose is light, with notes of toasted cereal, honey and pear.

On the palate, the Glenlivet 12 is creamy and overly smooth, with vanilla flavor and fruity notes.

Finish is quite short with more sweet and vanilla notes.

The Glenlivet 12 is a smooth Single Malt with not a hint of harshness, peat, smoke or any complicated note. It’s mellow and rich in notes of vanilla and honey.

This might well be the easiest 12 year single malt Scotch to drink as it doesn’t have neither smoky nor oaky notes, although it lacks complexity or any memorable flavor. Let’s call it a “plain vanilla” whisky.

If you are new to whisky or liquors in general, this is a great starting point.

This is a whisky that you can easily drink neat or straight, but if you want to make it better add a splash of water.

Just a few drops of water will open-up the whisky allowing rich floral notes to emerge enhancing sweetness. This is how Scots drink whisky.

You could use the Glenlivet as a mixer but I would rather use a cheaper option and a bit more peppery to add a kick to my homemade cocktail. Think about whiskies like the Dewar’s for such purposes.

Glenlivet 12 facts:

• The Glenlivet 12 is aged mostly ex-bourbon and European oak casks.

• This distiller uses wooden washbacks to ferment the mash. This adds a characteristic flavor to the whisky as opposed to fermenting in steel.

• Glenlivet is the best-selling single malt in the United States and second globally behind Glenfiddich.

• Earned Gold at the International Spirits Challenge.

• Glenlivet is owned by Pernod-Ricard, the French drinks conglomerate who also holds a zillion brands including Chivas Regal and Jameson Whiskey.

Grangestone 12 vs Glenlivet 12: Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Grangestone 12	$39
Glenlivet 12	$55

Grangestone 12 vs Glenlivet 12: Which is better?

Glenlivet is a better tasting whisky

Whiskey	Grangestone 12	Glenlivet 12
Nose		✅
Body		✅
Palate	✅	✅
Finish		✅
Value	✅	✅

• Grangestone is quite bearable as it tastes reasonably well although a bit bitter on the finish.

• And yet provides good value for the money serving as an introductory bottle to Scotch Whisky.

• Glenlivet is remarkably smooth and easy to drink, as I mentioned, this might well be the easiest Single Malt to drink making a great option not only to new drinkers but also to those who want an overly easy nightcap.