With its iconic triangular green glass bottle Glenfiddich 12 Year Old, my last review on the "camping series," is one of the most recognizable and popular single malt scotch whiskies in the world. Though it is in no way an entry level spirit, with enough oomph and vigor to stand on its own, it is the first line of defense and the bread and butter for the Glenfiddich distillery. Located in Dufftown, Scotland and owned by William Grant & Sons Ltd., Glenfiddich meaning ‘Valley of the deer’ in Gaelic, utilizes water from the Robbie Dhu springs and is one of the few scotch manufacturers still left producing and aging all its whisky on the same site.
Price: Around 25.98 for a 750ml bottle.
Packaging/Labeling: Approaching the bottle it is bound to give first-timers an intimidating stare with its strong rectangular shape and stags head peering back at you. This bottle embodies the craftsmanship and pride inherent in the label. And it stands up to the test, again and again.
Alcohol Content: 40% alcohol by volume, 80 proof.
Color: Light Amber Straw.
Nose: Green gauged barley, pear/melon, floral notes. There is chocolate and toffee with caramel and Brazilian nuts that develop into light fudge. Really, the whole nose has a fairly light quality to it.
Tasting: On arrival there is bittersweet and smoky barley, with cinnamon and spice developing into bubblegum and jack fruit qualities. Mid-palette develops into apple and caramel. Fresh hay and sea salt on the finish. The back is very inoffensive and definitely will not scare any newcomers away.
Conclusion: Overall, Glenfiddich 12 is a great scotch whisky for anyone to start on. Everything about this drink, besides the packaging, has an unpretentious character. I would never call this an “entry level” scotch as some reviewers do – you don’t want to be the one who is only satisfied by being kicked in the face from peat every time you need a dram – but this can be used as a gauge like I wrote about in the Black Bush Review. Being such a highly available and quality scotch Glenfiddich 12 is essential in anyone's malt repertoire, while it can also easily take a place at the bar during Christmas parties.
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