Glenfiddich is one of the most recognizable names in scotch whisky. From the green triangular bottle on supermarket shelves to premium releases found in specialist shops, the distillery has built a reputation that reaches across the globe. But not every expression is created equal. Some shine for their complexity and value, while others feel like they lag behind the competition.
At The Whiskey Wash, our reviewers have tasted through the core range to see how these whiskies really stack up. Here is how Glenfiddich ranks (from worst to best), based on flavor, balance, and overall drinking experience.
#4: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old
The Glenfiddich 12 Year Old is one of the most famous single malts in the world. It is matured mostly in refill bourbon barrels with some refill sherry in the mix.
Reviewer Phil Dwyer found “loads of lemon and fresh pastry” on the nose, along with herbs like sage and thyme. The palate carried “this dominant flavor of fresh herbs and citrus,” while the finish brought shortbread, butter, and biscuit notes.
Dwyer noted that while it is balanced and approachable, it “is missing something that puts it at a disadvantage when it comes to modern competitors.” He scored it 6/10. You can read Phil’s full review here.
#3: Glenfiddich 18 Year Old
The Glenfiddich 18 Year Old combines bourbon and sherry cask maturation for a richer style. On the nose, Phil Dwyer described “all milk chocolate,” with tiramisu-like notes of coffee, cream, and nuts. The palate carried more dessert flavors, finishing with honeysuckle and elderflower. While enjoyable, Dwyer found the finish “a little flat, certainly when compared to the 15 year old.”
He noted that it “sells well with a mass audience,” but compared with other 18 year old Speyside whiskies, it does not deliver as much for the price. Dwyer concluded that a higher strength version could be excellent. He scored it 7/10. Click here to read Phil’s full thoughts on the Glenfiddich 18 Year Old.
#2: Glenfiddich 14 Year Old
The Glenfiddich 14 Year Old leans into American oak influence. Matured in bourbon casks and finished in freshly charred virgin oak, it highlights the versatility of the distillery’s spirit.
On the nose, Phil Dwyer described “loads of butter, shortbread and toffee sauce,” followed by coconut, apple, pineapple, and mango. The palate was “quite a standout expression,” bringing caramel, toffee, chocolate, elderflower, and vanilla custard.
Dwyer called it “a delicious thing to try” and praised its bolder profile compared to younger releases. Virgin oak can sometimes overpower scotch, but he felt this expression “nailed it.” He scored it 8/10. Read Phil’s full review here.
#1: Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Reserve
The Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Reserve is one of the most distinctive whiskies in the range. It is created through a solera vatting system that combines bourbon, sherry, virgin oak, and other cask types. Phil Dwyer called it “the hidden gem in the whole core range lineup.”
On the nose, he found “loads of milk chocolate, raisin and marinated cherries and raisins.” The palate continued with “a sweet, rich and easy drinking combination” full of sherry character, mushrooms, butter, and bitter orange oil.
Dwyer summed it up simply: “I love this bottling. It’s easily the best in terms of pricing and flavour when it comes to the whole core line-up.” He scored in an 8/10. You can read the complete review here.
What Is The Best Glenfiddich Whisky?
Taken together, these reviews show a clear order. The Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Reserve leads the pack for flavor and value, closely followed by the 14 Year Old with its bold oak influence. The 18 Year Old offers elegance but falls short of expectations, while the 12 Year Old remains approachable yet dated. Glenfiddich still has something for every palate, but the 15 stands out as the real star.
What is your favorite Glenfiddich whisky? Let us know in the comments below.
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