Glenfiddich 12 Years Old Review

With blind tasting comes boldness, boldness to disavow everything you thought you knew, or perhaps confirmation of the few precious truths you hold dear. What I mean is that if you hate a whisky whilst blind tasting it, you probably truly hate it, and if you like it, you probably…like it. You have no bias guiding your sub-conscious based upon how expensive or inexpensive the dram is, and you may find yourself surprised as to where you opinion leads you. In my case, my blind tasting revealed that I truly still dislike Glenfiddich 12.

That being said I realize that I am trampling on the the worst whisky most people actually love. Glenfiddich 12 was most likely your first single malt, perhaps even your first dram period. It’s in most bars, most cabinets (open, not sealed), and therefore most stomachs, because it remains the best selling single malt in the world. I at least take comfort in the fact the I am consistent in my opinion of the beloved malt, which gives me little comfort in the end now that I think about it. Never trample on someone’s first whisky love. Is there something wrong with me? Probably.

This is our 2nd review of the 12, (first time around here) but the composition remains the same. Say what you want (I will), at least they keep their standards. Our selection today is aged 12 years in refurbished, refilled American oak casks and sherry casks (about 90/10 split) for a light, 40% ABV result. On to it….

SWC Review

Nose- Young and feinty. Good & Plenty. Lemon. Pear. Lavender floral mix. Basement. Soapy cashews.

Taste- Thin sugar water. Honey maybe. Cereal notes. All a stretch to get. Simplistic.

Finish- More sugar water. Drops off cliff. Bitter flourishes.

Comments – Meh, not the punch in the arm you look for, but then again this an entry level malt not looking to impress you too much. Much like myself. Enough to get started if you are new, perhaps enough to keep you there if you’re nostalgic. Up to you.

SWC Rating – 77/100