If you are a whiskey enthusiast, then you have probably heard of Glenfiddich and Glenlivet. These two single malt scotch whiskeys are some of the most popular and beloved brands in the world. Both Glenfiddich 12 and Glenlivet 12 are aged for 12 years and are produced in the Speyside region of Scotland.
While both whiskeys are similar in many ways, they do have some distinct differences. Glenfiddich 12 is known for its smooth and sweet taste with notes of pear, vanilla, and oak. On the other hand, Glenlivet 12 has a more delicate flavor with hints of citrus, honey, and almonds. Depending on your personal taste preferences, you may prefer one over the other.
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History of Glenfiddich 12 and Glenlivet 12 Single Malt Scotch Whiskey
Glenfiddich’s History
photo credit: www.glenfiddich.com
Glenfiddich 12 is a single malt Scotch whiskey that is produced by William Grant & Sons. The distillery was founded by William Grant in 1886, who had a dream of creating the best dram in the valley. After saving every penny he earned, William Grant and his family eventually built their own distillery on the banks of the river Fiddich. It was there that he pioneered the production of single malt whiskey, cementing the Glenfiddich brand and its exquisite range of spirits.
Glenfiddich 12 is the youngest release in their permanent series. The whiskey is matured for a minimum of 12 years in oak casks, which gives it a unique flavor profile. Glenfiddich 12 has a sweet and fruity aroma, with notes of pear and apple. On the palate, it has a smooth and creamy texture, with flavors of vanilla, honey, and oak. The finish is long and warming, with a hint of spice.
Glenlivet’s History
photo credit: www.theglenlivet.com
Glenlivet 12 is a single malt Scotch whiskey that is produced by the Glenlivet Distillery. The distillery was founded in 1824 by George Smith and is situated near Ballindalloch in Moray, Scotland. The Glenlivet was the first distillery in Speyside to obtain a license to produce whiskey, which gave it a head start over its competitors.
By 1884, the reputation of the finest single malt in Scotland had spread, and competitors were using the name Glenlivet to market their own whiskeys. In response, the Glenlivet Distillery added the word “The” to its name, becoming The Glenlivet. Today, The Glenlivet is one of the top-selling single malt Scotch whiskeys in the world.
Glenlivet 12 is matured for a minimum of 12 years in oak casks, which gives it a unique flavor profile. Glenlivet 12 has a fruity aroma, with notes of citrus and apple. On the palate, it has a smooth and creamy texture, with flavors of vanilla, honey, and oak. The finish is long and warming, with a hint of spice.
Production Process
When it comes to producing single malt scotch whiskey, both Glenfiddich 12 and Glenlivet 12 have their unique production processes that set them apart from each other. In this section, we will explore the production processes of both whiskeys.
Glenfiddich 12’s Production Process
Glenfiddich 12 is made using the finest malted barley, water from the Robbie Dhu springs, and yeast. The production process starts with malting the barley, which is then milled to form grist. The grist is mixed with hot water to create a mash, which is then transferred to large wooden washbacks. Here, yeast is added to the mash, which converts the sugars into alcohol, creating a beer-like substance called wash.
The wash is then distilled twice in copper pot stills, which gives Glenfiddich 12 its distinct flavor profile. The first distillation produces a low wine, which is then distilled again to produce a high wine. The high wine is then aged in oak barrels for at least 12 years, which gives it its smooth and rich taste.
Glenlivet 12’s Production Process
Glenlivet 12 is made using the same ingredients as Glenfiddich 12, but with a different production process. The malted barley is first soaked in water to start the germination process, which is then stopped by drying the barley using hot air. The dried barley is then milled to create grist, which is mixed with hot water to create a mash.
The mash is then transferred to large stainless steel washbacks, where yeast is added to start the fermentation process. The wash is then distilled twice in copper pot stills, which gives Glenlivet 12 its unique flavor profile. The first distillation produces a low wine, which is then distilled again to produce a high wine. The high wine is then aged in oak barrels for at least 12 years, which gives it its smooth and fruity taste.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to taste, both Glenfiddich 12 and Glenlivet 12 are exceptional single malt scotch whiskies, but they do have some differences that set them apart.
Glenfiddich 12 has a sweet and fruity taste, with notes of pear, apple, and honey. It also has a hint of oak and a subtle smokiness. The taste is smooth and well-balanced, making it a great option for those who are new to scotch whisky or those who prefer a sweeter taste.
On the other hand, Glenlivet 12 has a more complex taste, with notes of vanilla, honey, and citrus. It also has a hint of spice and a slightly dry finish. The taste is more subtle and refined, making it a great option for those who prefer a more sophisticated taste.
When it comes to the mouthfeel, Glenfiddich 12 has a slightly thicker and creamier texture, while Glenlivet 12 has a lighter and smoother texture. Both whiskies have a long and satisfying finish, with a slight warmth that lingers in your mouth.
Price Comparison
When it comes to price, both Glenfiddich 12 and Glenlivet 12 are in a similar price range. However, there are some differences in pricing between the two brands.
- Glenfiddich 12: The average price for a 750ml bottle of Glenfiddich 12 is around $30-$50. However, the price may vary depending on your location and the store you purchase it from.
- Glenlivet 12: The average price for a 750ml bottle of Glenlivet 12 is slightly lower than Glenfiddich 12, ranging from $25-$50.
It’s worth noting that the price of both brands may vary depending on factors such as the age of the whiskey, the location of the store, and the taxes in your area.
When it comes to value for money, both Glenfiddich 12 and Glenlivet 12 are great options. They are both affordable and offer a high-quality drinking experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Glenfiddich 12 and Glenlivet 12 are exceptional single malt scotch whiskies that are worth trying. Both are from the Speyside region and have their unique flavor profiles.
If you prefer a smoother and creamier taste, then Glenfiddich 12 might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you like a fruity and floral taste, then Glenlivet 12 might be more up your alley.
No matter which one you choose, you can be sure that you are getting a high-quality single malt scotch whisky that is enjoyed by whisky lovers all around the world. So go ahead, pour yourself a dram, and enjoy the rich flavors and aromas of these iconic whiskies. Cheers!
