Scotch

Scotch Whisky Review: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old

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Scotch Whisky Review: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old

One of the most famous single malt whiskies in the world, Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - A whisky that has become so famous with a classic Speyside flavour.
  • Phil Dwyer is a whisky enthusiast, YouTuber, and manager of The Whisky Shop Manchester, UK.
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Tasting Notes:

About:
One of the most famous single malt whiskies in the world, Glenfiddich 12 Year Old. A whisky that has become so famous with a classic Speyside flavour, but also has some slightly different things on offer. Mostly matured in refill bourbon with some refill sherry casks making up a percentage of the liquid, Glenfiddich 12 is one of the most recognisable smells and tastes in all whisky across the world.
Appearance:
Yellow
Nose:
Loads of lemon and fresh pastry. It’s a little herby, too. Think about sage and thyme. It adds some decent depth to this very approachable and affordable single malt.

More sweet things with toffee and caramel, but these notes of lemon and fresh citrus that pairs very well with fresh barley grist.
Palate:
A slightly spicier approach on the palate than what we get on the nose, but that’s to be expected. You do still got this dominant flavour of fresh herbs and citrus/herb flavour combinations. Lemon and sage are a favourite thing of mine to put into recipes and Glenfiddich 12 is singing with these notes.
Finish:
You do also get some shortbread, butter, biscuit notes that are a welcome contrast to the intensity of herbs and citrus. Very balanced and quite delicious. You can see why it’s so popular around the world.
Comments:
There is nothing wrong with this style, it offers up a Glenfiddich house profile in relatively affordable and accessible way. However, even though they make so much money through this core product, it is missing something that puts it at a disadvantage when it comes to modern competitors and modern pricing.

I’m not saying that Glenfiddich should reinvent the wheel, if it isn’t broke then don’t fix it. The brand appears out of favour with the more niche/nerdy side of the whisky world, instead focusing on very high end limited release.

Personally I believe that if they paid some more attention to this core bottle and offered a higher ABV, more unusual variations on its style, then it could rejuvenate what feels like a very antiquated brand who are falling behind when it comes to what the modern consumer is after in a few different senses.

In a world where everything is becoming more expensive, a fun, different style of this 12 year old expression could really benefit a brand like Glenfiddich. Not everyone has £1,600 to spend on a 31 year old red wine cask finish in a flash box. Just give us something fun. The Experimental Range did that well, but even that feels quite forced now.

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old is the entry-level expression from the Speyside distillery. Entry level certainly seems to be an apt description – perfect for those just starting out on their scotch whisky journey. Though it may lack some complexity, at least for an experienced drinker, the Glenfiddich 12 Year Old is beloved for a reason. It is affordable, accessible, and approachable.

With that being said, I think that Glenfiddich could benefit from diversifying this whisky a little more. A limited edition cask-finished 12 Year Old might go a long way with the more experienced drinker.

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Glenfiddich’s Core Range

Glenfiddich’s core range (flagship collection), currently consists of the 12 Year Old, a 14 Year Old Bourbon Barrel, a 15 Year Old Solera, and the 18 Year Old. You can find out the basics about the Glenfiddich Flagship Collection, and find out which whisky is best for you, here.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer's passion for whisky is undeniable. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil manages The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curates an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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