Glenfiddich 12 Year Old

Distillery Background and History

Founded in 1886–87 by William Grant in Dufftown, Speyside, Glenfiddich remains a completely family-owned distillery (William Grant & Sons). It was the first single malt to be actively marketed globally in 1963 and today is the world’s best-selling single malt. Glenfiddich maintains traditional craftmanship in-house—including coppersmithing of their iconic swan-neck copper pot stills—and draws water from the Robbie Dhu Spring from start to finish in every bottling  .

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Glenfiddich follows a balanced and approachable style, emphasizing smoothness, fruit-forward character, and consistency. Current Malt Master Brian Kinsman continues the Grant family philosophy of innovation grounded in tradition, as seen in the classic 12-year-old and its variations such as the Amontillado Cask Finish  .

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

This expression is made from 100% malted barley, sourced partially from local Scottish growers alongside Glenfiddich’s own estate influences. The water source is the Robbie Dhu Spring in Dufftown, and fermentation uses traditional yeast strains to enhance the distillery’s signature orchard-fruit sweetness  .

Distillation Process

Distilled in handcrafted copper pot stills—five wash stills and 27 spirit stills—Glenfiddich carries out small-batch, slow distillation. No peat is used, ensuring a clean, floral, and fruit-driven spirit consistent with Speyside character  .

Maturation & Cask Information

Glenfiddich 12 is matured for 12 years exclusively in ex‑bourbon American oak barrels, imparting mellow vanilla, honey, and light oak spice without sherry influence. Its clean cask style ensures broad appeal among both novice and seasoned drinkers  .

Tasting Notes

Nose: Fresh orchard fruits—green apple, juicy pear—blossom honey, subtle vanilla, and a hint of dried raisins 

Palate: Smooth and light-bodied with honeyed malt, butterscotch, creamy barley sugar, light spice, and orchard-flavored sweetness 

Finish: Medium-short; buttery malt with dry oak, mild vanilla, and a clean, slightly sweet aftertaste 

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairs well with light cheeses (like Brie), apple and pear desserts, almond biscotti, grilled salmon, and citrus-scented dishes. Excellent as an aperitif or entry whisky for guests.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Ideal neat or with a drop of water in a Glencairn or tulip glass at around 15–18 °C. Light swirling helps release fruity aromatics. Avoid ice to preserve its delicate balance.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store upright in a cool, dark place. As a 12‑year-old whisky, further bottle aging contributes minimal change—best consumed within a few years after opening to preserve fresh fruit aromas.

Grain Type & Mash Bill (if applicable)

Single malt Scotch whisky—100% malted barley.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

40% (80 US proof) – the legal minimum for Scotch whisky  .

Distillery Background and History

Founded in 1886–87 by William Grant in Dufftown, Speyside, Glenfiddich remains a completely family-owned distillery (William Grant & Sons). It was the first single malt to be actively marketed globally in 1963 and today is the world’s best-selling single malt. Glenfiddich maintains traditional craftmanship in-house—including coppersmithing of their iconic swan-neck copper pot stills—and draws water from the Robbie Dhu Spring from start to finish in every bottling  .

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Glenfiddich follows a balanced and approachable style, emphasizing smoothness, fruit-forward character, and consistency. Current Malt Master Brian Kinsman continues the Grant family philosophy of innovation grounded in tradition, as seen in the classic 12-year-old and its variations such as the Amontillado Cask Finish  .

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

This expression is made from 100% malted barley, sourced partially from local Scottish growers alongside Glenfiddich’s own estate influences. The water source is the Robbie Dhu Spring in Dufftown, and fermentation uses traditional yeast strains to enhance the distillery’s signature orchard-fruit sweetness  .

Distillation Process

Distilled in handcrafted copper pot stills—five wash stills and 27 spirit stills—Glenfiddich carries out small-batch, slow distillation. No peat is used, ensuring a clean, floral, and fruit-driven spirit consistent with Speyside character  .

Maturation & Cask Information

Glenfiddich 12 is matured for 12 years exclusively in ex‑bourbon American oak barrels, imparting mellow vanilla, honey, and light oak spice without sherry influence. Its clean cask style ensures broad appeal among both novice and seasoned drinkers  .

Tasting Notes

Nose: Fresh orchard fruits—green apple, juicy pear—blossom honey, subtle vanilla, and a hint of dried raisins 

Palate: Smooth and light-bodied with honeyed malt, butterscotch, creamy barley sugar, light spice, and orchard-flavored sweetness 

Finish: Medium-short; buttery malt with dry oak, mild vanilla, and a clean, slightly sweet aftertaste 

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairs well with light cheeses (like Brie), apple and pear desserts, almond biscotti, grilled salmon, and citrus-scented dishes. Excellent as an aperitif or entry whisky for guests.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Ideal neat or with a drop of water in a Glencairn or tulip glass at around 15–18 °C. Light swirling helps release fruity aromatics. Avoid ice to preserve its delicate balance.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store upright in a cool, dark place. As a 12‑year-old whisky, further bottle aging contributes minimal change—best consumed within a few years after opening to preserve fresh fruit aromas.

Grain Type & Mash Bill (if applicable)

Single malt Scotch whisky—100% malted barley.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

40% (80 US proof) – the legal minimum for Scotch whisky  .