whisky review 324 - Glenfiddich 12yo Scotch re-reviewed

[@largesatsuma]

When my grandfather died we found an unopened bottle of Glenfiddich 12 special reserve. I don't think you can buy it now, but it's been excellent. A real cut above the normal 12.

[@thewhiskybothy]

+Slim Charles . . . a quality malt-moment in a time capsule, that's inherited bottles for you. Wonderful.

[@MikeAnderson-mh2og]

ralfydotcom Hello Sir Ralfy. I have an urgent question. I bought 2 bottles of Glenfiddich 12 and the 2 bottles have different levels of filling in them. One bottle has more whiskey than the other ! Is this a common mistake of the production process or have I been scammed and bought 2 fake bottles of whiskey? Thanks Ralfy !

[@Ex0rz]

Mike Anderson that depends on how different the levels are. Also if you watch soda bottles at stores, they also have slightly different filling levels.

[@DPJTrump]

Hey Ralfy, I'm a Trump, I love Whisky, Scotland, and your reviews (many thanks). I'm not Donald Trump, I'm Daniel Trump ! You're a top man Ralfy. You're educating me about a wonderful new world, many thanks. Keep up the good work !

[@irmscher9]

I'm gonna bookmark and watch later when I'm not so drunk lol.

[@billk9856]

2020 ...... you sober yet?

[@JazznRealHipHop]

Some of these episodes can resonate pretty powerfully even years later. Keep up the good fight Ralfy. Thank you, cheers!

[@selmaave9145]

Just a delightful closing 6 minutes. After watching several of your videos tonight, this one made me a subscriber. You're clearly very wise -- far beyond even whisky.

[@Praetorr]

ralphy - you don't have one quarter the number of subscribers you deserve, and you're easily one of the best reviewers on youtube, period. please never stop making videos

[@John-wl9pg]

Around four years later, and we're still talking about Trump. Bought myself a Glenfiddich 12yo, and now I'll be buying more, for sure! Cheers from Puerto Rico!

[@TheGonzeaux]

How awesome. I just picked up a new bottle of this beauty today, and I discover you're re-reviewing it. And I didn't even know about the Trump thing! Should buy the Solera Reserve next. I'm glad I picked this up again. Reminds me very much of the Glenfarclas 12 year old that I had over our Thanksgiving holiday. For a mass produced malt, it's pretty great.

[@gordy321]

Thank you, Ralfy. I appreciate you taking the time to answer our questions

[@pierodavideleardi8006]

Dear Ralfy, I just would like to say thank you. I would never have bought such a delicious whisky - which is sold at such a low price - without listening to your re-review. I must admit, it is very good and "instructive" for beginners!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . happy to help with the malt-moments !

[@massimotorrese9749]

***** hi ralfy, hopefully you can help me with this. I'm looking for a very sweet very soft whiskey something a child could drink without feeling it. Problem is i have a very highly suffisticated tong appearantly which means whiskey tastes very bitter and souer to me. I bought this glenfiddich 12 couple days ago and it's extremely bitter for my taste so i really hope you recommend a few whiskey's to me.

[@ZaDude1970]

Watching this on 05/09/16 & your thorough & elaborate view on Trump 4 yrs later. Well said Sir! Here is to much love from beautiful Lebanon & a very faithful follower!

[@stormrealestate]

Thanks to this post I took to buying my first bottle of scotch whisky and made it the Glenfiddich 12 year. I have several other bottles on my wish list, but I figured I should mature my sense of nose and taste before making those purchases. Thanks! And thank you to Mr. Trump for the added motivation! :)

[@tccapone]

I love that whisky. I don't care if it is mass produced and all that, I absolutely love this one.

[@unrehearsedriot]

love the re-review. maybe a series of re-reviews is in order? something i love about your show (which is lacking in similar shows) is that you do your tasting and testing BEFORE recording. a lot of your fellow reviewers, taste their whiskies for the first time on the show, and it's always hard to trust their advice. especially w/ the re-review, it's great to see the development of this popular brand.

[@thenomadrhodes]

Hello! Rafly! I went to my local store and Lo! and behold they had a box set of Miniatures Glenfiddich's! 12 15 and 18, for 12 bucks I might add. It was my first REAL Scottish Whiskey, my lord what I have been missing all these years, they were amazing! the 15 I think was just divine. Thank you Ralfy for these Reviews.

[@MBFModernHomesteading]

Maybe I added just a drop too much, but much preferred the malt without the dabble of water.

[@stingfan24]

I love that you're re-reviewing whiskies! Can we look forward to more of these re-reviews of whiskies from the beginning of your youtube days when your videos were shorter? I'm thinking specifically of reviews of Laphroaig 10 yr old CS and Talisker, for instance.

[@shadyone33fanofgsp]

Great review and great insight. I was wondering if you've tried the Glenfiddich 15 year distillery edition and what are your thoughts. Also, have you reviewed Crown Royale yet? I'm a Canadian and enjoyed your Canadian series! Thanks, Jay

[@Tantrum777]

Great to see you re reviewing Glenfiddich 12 again. Good to hear its doing well. Great job Ralfy! Merry Christmas to you sir.

[@ghuk1234]

Thanks for the review. I've recently had the 12, 15 and 18 side by side in 20cl bottlings. My favourite 'fiddich was the 12 followed by 18. The 12 had the most going on a much better drink thsn mosr give it credit for. I found the 15 had too many corners knocked off and too btandy like in character. I was just in Glasgow last week and thought it was a great city although had a few too many to meet with your approval. Keep up the good work Graham (London)

[@Clutch28]

I'm very keen on you revisiting previously reviewed malts and blends. Simply for the reasons you've so eloquently have stated in your series of reviews.

[@722Jeslek]

Really like these re-reviews...but now I can't find your original. Did you take it down? Would be nice to be able to compare.

[@Megajimbo]

Bought some Solera just a few weeks ago, based on your wonderful review, Ralfy. Thank you for the suggestion. Tastes excellent, certainly one of the best values out there.

[@onthegate7497]

Just picked up a bottle of the 12 year old Glenfiddich yesterday and found your review spot on . Thanks

[@MrWolandPL]

Thank you Ralfy! I'm new to whisky and I really love this one. Greetings from Poland!

[@mvespi]

Ralfy, this is my favorite of all your reviews sir! The world needs more Scots. A healthy dose of freedom, a small touch of socialism (in it's best and purest form) and a feisty spirit here. That's what I am picking up in the Whisky and in your weaving of a damn good story. Good work and many thanks.

[@nacienlos70]

Hi Ralphy. Greetings from Spain. I am relatively new to the malt Adventure and I like your vlog as a source of information. I committed the relative mistake of starting with very singular malts (Talisker, Laphroaig, Glendronach 15 and some more), which are very demanding at times. I had some prejudice against the common whiskies like glenfiddich, glenkinchie and the sorts. So much that I hadn't even tried them . Yesterday i got a dram of fiddich un a bar and I loved it. Guess I need to make the journey backwards (got a Old Pulteney 12 coming). Love your work. Its very singular and inspiring. Love

[@thewhiskybothy]

***** . . . good stuff, look out for Auchentoshan 12yo

[@TheGhs1]

Love your reviews. Being from Edinburgh it saves me opening my own bottles 😂

[@ncdadecuunc]

Loved the video! This makes me want to come out and visit in Scotland. Had a great Johnny Walker Blue tonight before a good steak dinner. Thanks for all the great videos.

[@AlmightyCorkz]

Hey Ralfy, Recently purchased Glenfiddich 12 on your recommend. It was a toss up between Glenfiddich 12 or Glenfarcas 10. Took me a while to decide however extremely pleased witht the decision I made. This is the first proper Single Malt Scotch Whisky I've had and I must say it's fantastic. As a person that preferred Bourbon Whiskey, I've definitely been swayed towards Scotch. Really enjoy your content mate, Keep it up.

[@cwm180]

Interesting. I last bought a bottle of Glenfiddich 12 in 2009 as well. I remember being completely underwhelmed. Perhaps I need to revisit this one, thanks for the idea Ralfy.

[@deinfluencing]

Yes! These are very informational to see what happens to a whisky over years of production. Ralfy, do you restock whiskies when they run out or do purchases happen more organically?

[@NEMESSIS1987]

Just tried Glenfiddich as my first single malt and I'd say I made a good choice.

[@TheMeslava]

Just bought a 50ML bottle of this, just to try as my first REAL scotch whisky experience. Being a beer guy, I can't wait, hope it turns out good. Looking forward to being able to get a bottle of HP12yr but just can't put the money out for it at the moment. I have a bottle of grant's (reserve) ready to drink, but I haven't got around to having a glass. Cheers maltmates, let's see how it goes.

[@tojge]

Awesome stuff, I was hoping we'd eventually get to see some of the whiskies of reviews past redone, with much improved sound and video quality, but most importantly, in a much expanded format, longer, loaded with interesting tidbits and trivia... plainly speaking, more fun and informative to watch. :)

[@dk410]

This is a great whisky! If I may ask, what is that cross thing on your wall called? Its pretty cool

[@boxwoodgreen]

Oh oh ! I'm a rookie in trouble with Ralfy already. I bypassed the Glenfiddich and started with an 18 year old Macallan. Very disappointed and went straight to the harbours of Highland Park 18 year old, and the Glenmorangie. I also was surprisingly impressed by a blend ... Te Bheag which I came across at a small bar and grill here in Canada that had nothing in the way of a single malt. I really liked that girl.

[@keeferooni]

Hey Ralfy, I've got 6 months of scotch experience. My first was HP 12, which was a blind grab off the shelf. It was challenging but I grew to love it and even sprang for a bottle of HP 18 (will also try the 15, despite your advice. I think HP is my fave so far). Anyway, I digress. I'd like to ask your thoughts of Stronachie 12. Ironically, this was the first bottle to catch my eye and I have yet to try it.

[@ICEMAN6282]

Hi Ralfy, Is it in your opinion as well that Glenfiddich's change of master blenders in 2009 also contributes to the change in character of this whisky?

[@TheOneGlassMan]

This malt is one I go to when I just what to enjoy a dram without paying too much attention to details. It's well rounded and I don't find signs of bad quality wood involved in its maturation. Great review Ralfy, as always.

[@jessebruce2854]

Ralfy, spot on as usual. Great review. I like how you brought your old notes from the old taste test, and like you say, each cask could be different. Glenfiddich 12 year single is one of my favorites. It is just as you describe, except I do not get the "engine oil" that I have from other Scotches. Very mellow, smooth, and full of life. Cheers.

[@NickLightingale]

Nice! Perhaps then a re-review of Talisker 10 and Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength (current batch)? Merry X-Mas Ralfy, and Happy Hogmanay!

[@TheMarkrafter]

Just wanted to say thank you for your videos. I always thought I would never be able to enjoy whisky. I was taught bad habits which made me gag at the slightest smell of whisky. However I have learnt a lot from you, from the proper way of enjoying whisky to the method of discovering the abundance of aromas within it. I am enjoying some Glenfiddich right now, thanks again!

[@asadfarokh]

Do be very honest Ralfy, we love your reviews and Mr. Trump is in the habit of spouting his mouth off,WITHOUT PULLING/FLUSHING AFTER THE JOB IS DONE. I have always found your reviews refreshing esp on my favourite laphroaig.

[@tomtom5418]

As a beginner into the scotch world, I'm stumped on whether to get a bottle of Glenlivet 12 or Glenfiddich 12. Your thoughts Ralfy??

[@carlosg815]

Ralfy, what do you think of cheap old Evan Williams Bourbon? I am an avid bourbon drinker and saw this for only $13 so I figured I couldn't go wrong. I was pleasantly surprised. I would like to hear your thoughts.

[@mrz88]

Ralfy, how much would you say are the changes in the reviewed whisky vs the changes in the reviewer? It seems that I've battled myself with this because I've only been intimate with malts for a couple of years!

[@dustymiller1974]

Thanks again Ralfy. After posting recently on one of your vlogs, I thought of another reason to revisit a whisky...simply because our own taste changes over time!

[@SilentMott]

Thanks for the info on Trump Ralfy! While not my favorite distiller, I'll be purchasing another out of spite, which will make it taste that much better! Maybe the solera this time...

[@Ra7mooOoony]

Ralfy, What do you think about the 18YO and what mark would you give it. I noticed that 12YO versions of any distillery are always recommended for beginners why not the older ones?

[@Equity213]

Hi Ralfy. I was in the shops yesterday and saw a Glenfiddich 15 Distillers Edition; Cask Strength and non-chill filtered. Have you tried it? Is it worth the money?

[@CWBIsherwood]

Ralfy, I have a friend who is a whisky novice, and I was thinking of giving her a bottle of either Glenfiddich 12 or Old Pulteney 12 as a "starter" bottle. Both are about the same price here in California. Thoughts?

[@ignishun]

You're right! I had HP12 before Glenfiddich, I found it harsh, peppery and pungent. I tried the Glenfiddich, which was more easier to handle and a lot more easier to analyse and appreciate the flavours even without water. I tried the HP12 after experiencing the glenfiddich and I feel I can appreciate it more! Thanks!

[@beloved_lover]

Could you do a re-review on a Laphroaig Quarter Cask? Fell in love with the 10yo, but many have said that Quarter Cask is even better! (...so I already basicly went and odreder one bottle to find out...) Would be just interesting how high you would rank it now, if I remember right, you gave 90/100 to the QC years ago

[@gordy321]

Ralfy, have you ever tried Deerstalker 12 year old? It is supposed to be nonchill filtered with no added caramel. Saw it at a store here but I didn't buy it. Haven't heard much about it here. I am thinking about going back to buy it

[@Vardemis2]

Hey, I'm from Austria and was enjoying a bottle of clynelish 14 years while watching Dr. Who. And found your vlog . Thanks for bringing out such Great Videos!

[@wildebassman]

I still enjoy this whiskey 24 years after my first introduction to malt whiskies, sipping on one right now... Some of my other favourites in the highland Speyside tradition are; Glendronach and Glen Farclas. Back in the day, when I got engaged to my wife, I drank half a bottle of Macallan 8 yo... Loved them, 8, 10, and 12 yo, no longer nowadays, they overplayed their hand.

[@strat58cat36]

I agree with you completely. This single malt unfolds with levels. It's not a one-note malt. It's light and delightful. I've been drinking Scotch and fine wine for many years, but I have no desire to revel in the most inaccessible island malts, nor do I seek out smoky whiskey. I don't turn it down, of course. Generally enjoying red wine, of course I appreciate Macallan in particular, and Speyside in general. Glenfiddich, I have to say, is a uniquely fruity and yet complex single malt. It doesn't get old. It's not cheapened by its success. Thanks for recognizing that accessible may mean, also, very good.

[@EffnShaShinko]

I'm curious. Have you actually tasted engine oil?

[@skalamaz3]

Thank you for doing a re-review on this. This scotch was my first single malt. I read where this is a good one to start. This is a perfect medium body scotch. To me it has a bit of everything in it without being overpowering but still has good peat smoke right when you taste it. It's like buying beer. While some strong ales are nice to have it's also nice to find something that's very tasty but easier to drink such as a tasty refreshing light lager so I can see why it's so popular. I would get this one again.

[@themaltbar]

You seem to find yourself always ahead of the curve. carry-on maltmate! cheers Ralfy

[@gerhardmyburg1768]

Drinking Glenfiddich 12yo while watching this video ;-)

[@Pew7070]

I bough a bottle 2 months ago. Now that I know what they did (Glenfiddich) I’m going to buy 3 more!

[@Pepsiaddicto]

Ralfy, I'm taking a trip to Ireland in March and looking for some nice bottles to bring back that I can't get in the States. Any recommendations?

[@vikram.SumerSingh]

Love the review and the associated stories. Thanks Ralfy!

[@tallicafan85]

just bought this bottle from NH store for $21 can't wait to drink it soon

[@ntufar]

Ralfy, you reviewed Glenfiddich 12 on 12-12-12. Is it your way to celebrate this date?

[@shstubas0890]

Im having some Irishman single malt, and checked your channel to see your thoughts on it but couldn't find it. Any chance of a review on it?

[@keeferooni]

Hey Ralfy, I've got 6 months of scotch experience under my belt. I only know a few. All have been good (Aberlour A'bunadh, Glenmorangie, Highland Park, Laphroaig, The Macallan). HP 12 was my first: A blind grab from the shelf. Didn't like it at first. Grew to love it and the 18 (will try the 15, despite your advice. I think HP is my fave). Anyway, I digress. I'd like to ask your thoughts of Stronachie 12. Ironically, this was the first bottle to catch my eye and I have yet to taste it.

[@Pladderkasse]

Ahh, memories, Glenfiddich was my first foray into single malts. I was hooked. Haven't tried one in ages.

[@adamhunter1223]

Hey ralfy, have you ever considered reviewing any mead?

[@WenderellaLikes2Play]

Came to your channel on the recommendation of 'kurtjmac' and chose the Glenfiddich video as it is my drink of choice when out for a night of billiards. And snubs to frumpy Trumpy; nobody here in the states pays him a bit of mind anymore. Too often he has tried to equate his money with political power and fallen flat on his comb-over face. Cheers to a great channel!

[@MikkelAndersen]

Thank you Ralfy, this review got me back into whisky! I startet at the Academy of Music in August, so everything's just been music eversince. Not much time for whisky :) Take care!

[@suckerfree23]

Hi Ralfy, thanks for the great video. Although just starting to try Scottish malts, you are right on the money with all of the tasting notes. I was very close to tasting the 'engine oil' but seems as though experience really makes a difference in those cases in the ability to describe so well the final taste of a particular whisky. Thanks again from a new Edinburgh (whisky-loving) resident!

[@AustralianLeprechaun]

I didn't know that about Trump. I'm so glad I bought a bottle today!

[@StrafingMoose]

just got this bottle because it seems like an accessible scotch whisky and also, to stick it up to the man :) I get a lot of pear. Also, does 43$ (Canadian) sound reasonable to you ? (it was in special -3.50$)

[@TheMeslava]

Enjoying a Dram of this now, just wondering if you are gonna go back to it, I just bought a small bottle recently, and it's actually still pretty good. I haven't really ventured into any other single malts as the price scares me,.. but I'm debating on buying a highland.. I just don't know which one I want to start with. The young.. or the old.

[@VVilDeCaRd]

Hello Ralfy Got this one today,time to start me malt adventure. Thank you for the recommendations

[@Khmerv3]

I'm about to finish this bottle of Glenfiddich. What do you recommend me to get?

[@andrewh9629]

Thanks for re-reviewing this, and I agree it has improved. Taste is not as sharp. It'd be interesting if you'd review others you haven't done for a while where the quality might of changed - say the HP12, Talisker 10.

[@gabrielgvs0619]

Being a long time bourbon lover who has just recently entered the world of the single malt Scotch, I happened across a bottle of Highland 12 and enjoyed it thoroughly. Being that Ralfy suggests here beginning at Glenfiddich before moving on to the Highland 12, I am wondering where I might take my slightly more matured palette next? I will say, that as much I as do enjoy the peat I find in the Highland, I'm not sure an offering any more peaty wouldn't take away from the experience for me personally. A complex speyside perhaps?

[@danielmiller7060]

Thank you Ralfy. Really enjoyed the review. Just got a bottle the other day and Im very impressed with it. Thanks again

[@FMichael1970]

Any chance of re-reviewing the Balvenie duo? Some months ago I had seen a segment on 60 minutes concerning Trump, and this fella with the property; quite funny actually, and I hope he sticks to his "guns".

[@ASquared007]

I just bought a bottle of Glenfiddich 12 this past weekend. I'm really enjoying it more than my previous bottle of Glenlivet 12.

[@roberthansjorg]

Always rated Glenfiddich anyway. I'm certainly going to buy a bottle now. Thankyou Ralfy.

[@amayagab]

I love this scotch so much, my favorite in dalwhinnie but Glenfiddich is the one I buy the most. I also really dig your style and accent.

[@deinfluencing]

What about the current distiller's edition? Isn't that basically what you just described (except it's 15 years old).

[@blakecollins3231]

Hey Ralfy! great review, I have a bottle of the 12 year old now, and it is my favorite malt thus far, I was curious on your "tequila" note. I never got that in the taste or anything of that nature. Is that common in glenfiddich?

[@RichardT2112]

After watching your latest video, I'm enjoying this video as I have a wee dram of Glenfiddich 12 myself! Cheers mate!

[@TheStig000]

Glenfiddich was the first single malt Scotch I ever tried. Not sure what drew me to it, but I loved the packaging.

[@narbezohrabi245]

Thank you and I will. Any sites you reccomend besides whiskyexchange?

[@chrislittle421]

very well said and aptly put...always a pleasure, Ralfy!

[@stevebubbs]

you sir, are a very interesting bloke.. not just the facts, but the manner in which you share them.. I salute you

[@porritt215]

Can we see the 15yr Solera next Ralphy?

[@NiceyNiceGuyMike]

I know re-reviewing is not something you probably want to do many more of, but one whisky I think you glossed over too quickly is the Talisker 10 y/o. It was your first review and finished it in about 3 minutes. I love to hear some more info about the 10 y/o and the distiller in general.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

This whiskey has a big role to portray, being the first spirit that the single Malt explorer goes to first off, by tradition. I have always liked the stuff, it is honest, robust, and a pleasant dram.

[@Kezren1]

hey ralfy, how can I better access the notes on the nose and flavor? I am a new scotch drinker and all I have access to at the time is Glenfidditch 12 year.

[@BlackLocustMusic]

Speaking of engine oil, i see you have a BSA emblem on your wall. I am a rider of BSA. My father just acquired a BSA Gold Star DBD 34. Fine motorcycle.

[@spencermax]

I must have been about 10 years old or so when my brother and I were roped in to a tour of the Glenfiddich distillery with Mum and Dad. I remember the huge copper vats and pipes and different levels and view-points. There was of course a tasting at the end. My brother and I were allowed a cheeky nip too and my God, it was terrible stuff - nothing like the cream soda and lemonade I was used to. How my tastebuds have changed over the years ;) PS. My local Tesco have this for £12 off RRP at £25 so I had to buy a bottle.

[@Ch33no]

Just bought a bottle of this, and it's marked "Special Reserve" Pure single malt..... It also has a screw cap. The top of the tube is marked limited edition. Is it different than what you are reviewing here, or just new packaging? I like it whatever it is and it was only $35.