Glenlivet 12 is the signature offering from the Glenlivet distillery which was established in 1824 and has been a favorite single malt for many generations of drinkers around the world. Currently it’s the #1 selling single malt Scotch brand here in America and #2 in the world. It’s an unpeated malt whisky that’s light, accessible, tasty, easy to drink and a shade boring.
A starting point for many budding Scotch lovers its light clean flavor is so tasty and accessible that it can often change the mind of people who think they don’t like scotch, especially if they associate scotch with peat. In fact the only things I would say are better “intro” scotches would be Glenfiddich 12 and Glenmorangie 10. None of these, including Glenlivet, have that smoky / peaty character that turns a lot of people off and instead leans more heavily towards honey and fruit flavors.
Glenlivet 12 Info
Region: Speyside, Scotland
Distiller: Glenlivet
Mashbill: 100% Malted barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry
Age: 12 years
ABV: 40%
Price: $28
Glenlivet 12 Review
EYE
Dark copper with medium legs
NOSE
Very light nose with malt and vanilla making up the core of the aroma. Hints of light orchard fruit, citrus, honey, graham cracker and a sweet strawberry like sweetness make up the rest.
PALATE
Like the nose this is a very lightly flavored whisky. Malt and vanilla are again the major players with some grassy notes, honey, red licorice and some light orchard fruit rounding out the palate.
FINISH
Wood, malt and an ambiguous sweetness hang around for a long time on a slightly dry finish.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Decently balanced with a medium body and a small amount of burn on an otherwise light and easy texture.
Overall
Despite saying it’s a shade boring I do indeed like the Glenlivet 12. It’s always good to get back to the basics from time to time and if you need a decent bottle of scotch for an evening with your friends that won’t break the bank then Glenlivet 12 will do fantastically. It’s versatile in that it’s tasty neat, holds up decently with an ice cube and is cheap enough that you don’t feel bad using it in a good cocktail; it makes a great Rob Roy. It’s sweet malty fruity nature is always a welcomed profile.
SCORE: 85/100 (B)
Glenlivet 12 Review - Score Breakdown
Summary
Glenlivet 12 is a great whisky when all you want is a tasty sipper.
Overall
- Nose - 85
- Palate - 85
- Finish - 85
- Balance, Body & Feel - 85
User Review
( votes)( reviews)
Not impressed I must be missing something. I get a taste and smell of nail polish remover.. Strong after taste that reminds me of acid reflux. I’ll stick with Monkey Shoulders.
Cheers Gerald!
Sometimes "average" is what you want
It’s not wuite as boring as a blended scotch but it does have a bit more character. I like it with a touch of water on ice. My parents and I for years would enjoy a scotch at the end of the day, a single glass as an aperatif and this fills the bill.
Have been Glenlivet fan 30+ years but must confess I find recent quality and taste disappointing. Have tried all variations and find taste weak and seemingly watered down. Given its popularity, this is difficult to rationalize other than an effort to cut costs. In any event, I have bought my last bottle!
Hi John,
I don’t have your 30 years of experience, but even in the 10 years I’ve been drinking it I’ve noticed changes, though I have to confess I haven’t been back to it for a proper visit since I wrote this… but you’ve made me curious on getting a bar pour. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!
I have been drinking Glen 12yr. for 10 years and find it to be the smoothest tasting whiskey from any country. I love its smooth sweet finish. I traveled in Scotland and tried the local scotch in all the areas I traveled and nothing came close to the old reliable smooth sweetness of my Glen 12. And I get it for $27 at total wine
Gotta love those reliable old standbys! Thanks for sharing, cheers Levi!
My wife and I are big lovers of Glen L 12 year. Odd though, we pay $69 her in West Texas. Wonder where I can get it cheaper?
Online liquor stores. Though shipping might be an issue. Cheers!
Hey Josh, great review!! One question: You wrote that Glenlivet 12 is matured in ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks. Where did you get that info? The Glenlivet website says that it’s matured in American oak (presumably ex-bourbon) but there’s no mention of ex-sherry casks. Is this insider’s info? Thank you again.
Hey Alan, their site used to say both and brand reps talk about both, but it’s always been a small amount, like less than 10%. Maybe they’ve changed to all ex-Bourbon lately. Cheers!
I have been enjoying Glenlivet 12 and 15 often. Recently I found that the 12 yr has lost it’s flavor. There is no vanilla and honey. It is linear and alcoholic. I tried different bottles and different stores. The taste is wanting, lacking the smooth flavorful Glenlivet that knew and enjoyed. Where can I find another $33.00 bottle that will satisfy?
I have been drinking Glenlivet (12) for years and have found that it is the best of
single malt scotchs. However,last week I bought a bottle at CVS in Roseville Ca. Today, I opened the bottle and poured a drink. I can’t believe it but the taste was bitter and it burned my throat! I paid $32.91 for the bottle. I doubt that there isn’t any recourse here, however, I certainly feel bad that I have to change to another brand.
Sorry to hear about your experience Jerry, that sucks man. Thanks for sharing!
“Despite saying it’s a shade boring I do indeed like it.”
That sentence hit the nail right on the head for this one. It’s not anything that wows me or even induces me to go out and purchase a bottle, but I’m certainly not disappointed if it’s the main Scotch available when I’m on vacation or traveling. And it’s usually very reasonable, which is another plus.
This and Glenfiddich 12 are the usual culprits at events and I’m glad when they are because it used to be Johnny Red, Black if you were lucky, was all that showed up.