The Glenlivet 12 Year Old

Originally posted as a page (see right side bar) in March '12 but posted here to see how I like it as part of  the main show.

Glenfiddich is one of the worlds most popular single malt Scotch Whiskys but early on in my hobby I read that The Glenlivet is a much better drink and usually somewhat less expensive. (Although now The Glenlivet is the best selling brand in the U.S.).  So what is a good Scot to do eh?  Well I have yet to drink a Glenfiddich not because I have any inkling that it's terrible but simply because I like The Glenlivet and there are so many good to great unsampled Scotch Single Malts of more distinct character available in a price range that I can handle (even if I do think they are overpriced).  In my mind The Glenlivet is a good single malt to start out with if you're new to the game - enough bite and flavor to let you know that singles are serious whiskys but mild enough in the way of single malts to avoid putting you off the game before it has even begun.  I like The Glenlivet and usually replace the bottle when it is depleted.  In the photograph you will see my personal stemless goblet for my sipping pleasure.  (you can buy expensive stemmed ware that will work no better - in fact I like my stemless goblet best because my hand warms the whisky slightly, enhancing the smell and the taste AND because I got 11 of them at a jumble sale for fifty cents apiece.)  Always use a curved glass to concentrate the aroma for your nose - shot glasses are for tossing back cheap grain whiskey.

The Glenlivet 12 year old, 40% Alc/Vol

Michael Jackson's Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch comments:

House Style - Malty, creamy, fruity, after dinner

COLOUR     - Pale Gold

NOSE           - Remarkably flowery, clean and soft.

BODY           - Light to Medium. Firm, smooth.

PALATE      - Flowery, peachy, notes of vanilla. A delicate balance.

FINISH       - Restrained, long and gently warming 

                        Score 85 

Michael Jackson's Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch rates Glenfiddich 12 from 77 to 82 (on a scale of 1 to 100) and The Glenlivet 12 from 83-85 so they are quite comparable in ranking really.  And just like wine, a given variety of whisky can vary a lot from year to year, so don't worry too much about a small variation in rank between two or more different brands.  I'm sure that if I had tried the Glenfiddich first, it would now be The Glenlivet that would be untasted (but you have to love the capital T in The Glenlivet, eh?)

My take - a very good malt for both the newcomer to single malts and for the serious collector.   A smooth well flavored drink that does not take your breath away, it can readily be shared with one and all.  And the price is decent.

And tonight, 07 June 2012, about 1030 pm in eastern North America I am enjoying the last of my bottle of Glenlivet 12 and perusing my comments on same.  Right on, I'd say, at least for me - and yes I will replace this soon.  Try your own and enjoy.