Two bottles. Two iconic names. One common question. If you’re choosing your first single malt, or buying for someone who is, The Glenlivet 12 and Glenfiddich 12 will likely top the list. They’re smooth, widely available, and trusted by millions. But which one’s right for you?
This quick comparison breaks down the key differences in flavor, value, and best use case to help you make a fast, confident decision.
Quick Snapshot: Why These Two?
The Glenlivet 12 and Glenfiddich 12 are global benchmarks for approachable single malt scotch whisky.
The Glenlivet has been around since 1824 and helped define the Speyside style. Glenfiddich, founded in 1887, remains family-owned and operates the largest single malt distillery in Scotland.
Both are smooth, easy-drinking, and typically retail between $40 and $55 in the U.S. But despite their similar stats, their flavor profiles offer two distinct experiences worth exploring.
The Glenlivet 12 vs. Glenfiddich 12: Flavor Face-Off
The Glenlivet 12 is all about lightness and lift. Expect bright citrus, green apple, and floral top notes, supported by a clean, slightly dry finish. Distilled in tall, narrow stills to produce a lighter spirit, it’s crisp and delicate, perfect for fans of white wine or gin looking to explore whisky.
Glenfiddich 12, by contrast, offers fresh pear, soft oak, and a gentle sweetness from malt and vanilla. It’s fermented in traditional wooden washbacks, which enhances its fruitiness and adds a subtle richness. The result is a rounder, more comforting dram with a creamy finish. It is dependable and approachable.
Expert tip: Go for The Glenlivet for floral and fragrant; choose Glenfiddich if you prefer soft fruit and mellow depth.
Price, Availability & Awards
Both The Glenlivet 12 and Glenfiddich 12 sit comfortably in the $40–$55 range across most U.S. retailers, offering solid value for entry-level single malts. In some states, The Glenlivet occasionally dips into the low $30s, while Glenfiddich may edge closer to $50.
When it comes to shelf presence, Glenfiddich often has a slight lead, its green triangular bottle is a staple in supermarkets and liquor stores alike.
On the awards front, The Glenlivet 12 took home a Double Gold at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Glenfiddich 12 remains consistently recognized too, with a Gold at the 2023 International Spirits Challenge and a Silver at the IWSC.
Whichever you choose, both deliver quality well beyond their price point.
Best Ways to Enjoy Each
The Glenlivet 12 shines when sipped neat or with a splash of water to open up its floral and citrus notes. It’s also ideal in a classic Whisky Highball—just add soda and a twist of lemon. Its light, tropical profile makes it a go-to for spring and summer sipping.
Glenfiddich 12 works just as well neat, on the rocks, or stirred into a mellow Rob Roy. The soft pear and vanilla tones pair beautifully with light cheeses or an apple tart. Slightly fuller in body, it’s a great autumn or winter dram that still feels easy-going.
Which Should You Actually Buy?
Go for The Glenlivet 12 if you enjoy crisp, floral, and citrus-led spirits. It’s a great choice for white wine or light gin drinkers, and offers a clean, classic take on Speyside whisky.
Choose Glenfiddich 12 if you prefer mellow fruit, a rounder texture, and a touch more sweetness. Its soft pear and vanilla profile makes it an easy crowd-pleaser, and the green triangular bottle is instantly recognizable for gifting.
Final thought: Both are solid picks at their price point. The real difference comes down to flavor preference. If you know your palate, or your giftee’s, you’ll pick the right dram.
So, What Will It Be – The Glenlivet 12 or Glenfiddich 12?
Whisky choice doesn’t need to be complicated. If you’ve started with one, the other makes a natural next step. You might even find a new favorite. Got a preference? Share your pick with us on social or drop it in the comments below.
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