Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 06:27 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.
Explore the distinctions between Mortlach 12 and Glenfiddich 12 in this comprehensive analysis, and choose which Single Malt suits your preferences.
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
Mortlach vs Glenfiddich: Comparison
Mortlach 12: Offers a blend of orchard fruits and baking spices with a medium finish of spice and caramel. Unique Speyside character with a rich, full-bodied profile.
Glenfiddich 12: Delivers floral and ripe fruit notes with a smooth finish of pear and oak. A welcoming introduction to single malt Scotch, known for its approachability.
Verdict: Both Mortlach 12 and Glenfiddich 12 provide distinct experiences within the Speyside region, Mortlach with its rich complexity and Glenfiddich with its smooth accessibility, catering to different preferences in the whisky community, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top-Ranked 12-Year-Old Scotch Whiskies
Mortlach 12: Unveiling Speyside’s Uniqueness
- Nose: Caramel, vanilla, orchard fruits, almond, oak
- Palate: Orchard fruits, baking spice, roasted nuts, orange
- Finish: Medium, baking spice, caramel
- Alcohol content: 87 proof (43.4% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Dalmore 12
Mortlach 12 is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky offering a journey through classic notes with intriguing twists.
What to expect:
- The nose: Opens with fresh apple and pear, followed by hints of caramel, vanilla, toasted almond, and a touch of oak.
- The palate: Full-bodied and satisfying, it delivers flavors of apple and pear, transitioning to warm baking spices, roasted nuts, and a touch of orange peel.
- The finish: Decent in length, it leaves a lingering taste of baking spices and caramel with minimal heat.
A taste of Speyside with a twist:
Mortlach 12 captures the essence of Speyside while offering unique nuances that set it apart. While some may find it occasionaly familiar, unexpected “funky” notes add an engaging layer of complexity.
Value and accessibility:
Considering its current price, Mortlach 12 presents excellent value for its quality and taste, making it a solid introduction to the brand.
Additional facts:
- Nicknamed the “Wee Witchie” due to its small spirit still.
- Distilled through a unique 2.81-time process involving various pot still shapes and sizes.
- Aged in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, contributing to its rich flavor profile.
- Founded in 1823, Mortlach contributes to the blending of Johnnie Walker whiskies, showcasing its role in the wider world of Scotch.
Ready to explore the unique side of Speyside? Give Mortlach 12 a try!
Glenfiddich 12: A Smooth Introduction to Single Malt Scotch
- Nose: Floral, ripe fruit, honey
- Palate: Fruity sweetness, pear, oak
- Finish: Medium, pear, oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Glenfiddich 15
Gentle and inviting, Glenfiddich 12 is a single malt Scotch whisky perfect for those new to the world of single malts. With its affordable price point and approachable taste profile, it’s no wonder Glenfiddich 12 is the best-selling single malt globally.
What to expect:
- The nose: Offers a pleasing aroma of flowers, fruit, and a touch of honey.
- The taste: Starts with a sweet, fruity character, followed by subtle hints of pear and light oak.
- The finish: Leaves a smooth, lingering aftertaste of pear and oak, without any harshness or heat.
Great for beginners:
Glenfiddich 12 is known for its smoothness and lack of smokiness, making it a welcoming choice for those exploring single malt Scotch for the first time. While not the most complex whisky, it remains an enjoyable and easy-drinking experience.
Additional facts:
- Aged for 12 years in a combination of used American oak and European sherry oak casks.
- Glenfiddich has been crafting whisky since 1887, making it a historic brand in the world of Scotch.
Looking for a smooth and approachable introduction to single malt Scotch? Look no further than Glenfiddich 12.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Mortlach 12 | $59 |
| Glenfiddich 12 | $35 |