Since its establishment by William Grant in 1876, Glenfiddich has become the daddy of single malt Scotch whisky. The best Glenfiddich whisky combined delicious notes of rich dried fruits, gentle spice, pear, and smooth oak.
Still owned and run by the Grant-Gordon family and made with the water of the Robbie Dhu spring, Glenfiddich maintains strong traditions while innovating with their renowned Experimental Series.
Glenfiddich may become your go-to everyday whisky for relaxing at the end of a long working day. If you were wondering, Glenfiddich means ‘Valley of the Deer’ in Scottish Gaelic!
Best Glenfiddich Whisky
I’ve selected 7 of the best Glenfiddich whiskies, from the versatile everyday 12 Year Old to the extraordinary depth and flavour of the stunning 40 Year Old.
1. Glenfiddich 12 Year Old
Overview
- Distiller: Glenfiddich
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Golden
Review
The best-known of the Glenfiddich range is a quintessential Speyside whisky, smooth and eminently drinkable. This whisky began when Glenfiddich had problems with suppliers and decided to produce their own blend.
Glenfiddich matures this Speyside single malt for 12 years in American bourbon and Oloroso sherry oak barrels before mellowing it in oak marrying tuns. It has become the most awarded single malt in the world.
Also, consider Johnnie Walker Red Label.
On the Nose
Distinct pear and apple notes dominate, with subtle oak and vanilla.
On The Palate
Sweet vanilla, pear, and hints of apple, with a smooth, creamy finish plus a touch of soft oak.
Best Served
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old is a great all-rounder. Enjoy neat on the rocks, pair with soda, or in a cocktail such as the Brazillian-inspired Downtown Glenfiddich Sour.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera
Overview
- Distiller: Glenfiddich
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Golden
Review
Glenfiddich’s 15 Year Old is mellowed by the Solera method, meaning that some of the whisky in the mix is even older than 15 years. The International Spirits Challenge (ISC) awarded it Double Gold in 2020, while the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) gave it Gold Outstanding.
Glenfiddich ages this Speyside single malt for 15 years in new oak casks and Oloroso sherry casks before mellowing it in a large oak tun (the Solera vat). This tun has continuously been kept half full of whisky since 1998.
On The Nose
Caramel and honeyed vanilla, dark fruits, and spice notes.
On The Palate
Initially smooth, with sherry-coated fruit, honey, and marzipan, leading to a reasonably short, oak finish with a touch of sweetness.
Best Served
Best served neat on the rocks or in a Boulevardier cocktail.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Glenfiddich 18 Year Old
Overview
- Distiller: Glenfiddich
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Amber
Review
Glenfiddich uses batches of no more than 150 casks for ageing Glenfiddich 18 Year Old. The IWSC awarded this whisky Gold in 2015, praising it highly. The company’s control over its cooperage allows it to maintain quality with this classic sherried malt.
Glenfiddich matures this Speyside single malt in small batches for 18 years in American bourbon and sherry oak casks.
On The Nose
One is greeted by floral heather honey notes, oak, and vanilla, with the underlying aroma of baked apple.
On The Palate
Dried fruits such as dates and apricot mingle with cinnamon and orange. Mid-palate reveals dark chocolate and apple, leading to a long oak finish.
Best Served
Best slowly sipped neat, or consider trying it in a cocktail such as a Sonic Boom or New York Whisky Sour.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva
Overview
- Distiller: Glenfiddich
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Dark Gold
Review
A distinctive take on whisky, the 21 Year Old Gran Reserva is almost like a spiced rum. Glenfiddich ages this Speyside single malt for 21 years before finishing it in Caribbean ex-rum casks to introduce an exciting tropical twist of banana, ginger, and toffee.
Although Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva is expensive, this whisky demonstrates that you get what you pay for. Full of flavour, this elegant Scotch whisky is well worth experiencing.
On The Nose
Banana, fig, and sweet floral notes lead on the nose, with peaty honey, orange, and oak.
On The Palate
Vanilla, wood, and honey flavours upfront, with distinctive banana, ginger, and caramel overtones. A long and dry finish with marmalade and black pepper.
Best Served
Of course, a whisky of this age should be enjoyed neat. But you can consider using it as a sublime base in a cocktail such as a Rusty Nail or Old Fashioned.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. Glenfiddich Project XX
Overview
- Distiller: Glenfiddich
- ABV: 47% (94 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Deep Gold
Review
Project XX is from the Experimental Series, a range of whiskies where Glenfiddich has tried tinkering with their whiskies in exciting ways to see what comes about.
It resulted in 20 whisky experts choosing 20 casks, after which the malt master had to use only these barrels to create something “nice.” Glenfiddich still considers it a single malt.
On The Nose
Faint apple blossom and luscious pear meet vanilla oak, liquorice, and dried fruit.
On The Palate
Delicate candy floss sweetness meets sherry, oak, and apple notes, with overtones of cinnamon and toasted almonds. A long finish of dried fruits and smooth oak.
Best Served
I recommend you enjoy Glenfiddich Project XX neat, on the rocks, and maybe a splash of water to release more flavours. For a cocktail, it would make a sweeter Old-Fashioned, so perfect if you don’t usually enjoy it with the spicier rye whisky and want something more bourbon-like.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
6. Glenfiddich Grand Cru
Overview
- Distiller: Glenfiddich
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Deep Amber
Review
What I like about Glenfiddich is that they experiment with their blends, finishing their whiskies in rum barrels, ice-wine barrels, and even beer barrels.
Glenfiddich Grand Cru is aged for 23 years in sherry and bourbon oak casks before finishing for up to 6 months in rare French cuvée casks, imparting lighter notes of apple blossom and pear.
On The Nose
Fresh brioche, apple blossom, and pear cider mingle with candied lemon peel and sweet vanilla.
In The Palate
Creamy vanilla and brioche on the palate mingle with peach, white grapes, and pear sorbet, with a hint of soft pepper. The finish is long and displays sweet pears and dry malt.
Best Served
Best served neat, with a splash of water, or in a simple whisky cocktail such as a Sonic Boom.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
7. Glenfiddich 40 Year Old
Overview
- Distiller: Glenfiddich
- ABV: 45.8% (91.6 Proof)
- Country: Scotland
- Colour: Dark Mahogany
Review
And now for a whisky on an entirely different level. Glenfiddich 40 Year Old is married with the remnants of the previous 40 Year Old Vatting, leading to a depth of aroma and flavour unmatched by other whiskies of this age.
This Speyside single malt results from ageing whisky for a minimum of 40 years, with the remnant vatting process adding an unmatched depth of flavour. A limited run of fewer than 1000 bottles a year.
On The Nose
Dried fruits, subtle wood smoke, dark chocolate, coffee, and black cherries.
On The Palate
Smooth and rich fruitcake flavours include dates, raisins and sultanas. Mid-palate brings subtle peat and dark chocolate, leading to a long, smoky, and complex finish.
Best Served
I would say that the only way to enjoy Glenfiddich 40 Year Old is neat, perhaps with a splash of water to release more dried fruits and coffee flavours.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Andrew’s Top Pick
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old
With excellent overall taste vs price, my top pick is the Glenfiddich 18 Year Old. Delicious dried fruits, gentle spice of cinnamon, and a touch of dark chocolate and oak.
Glenfiddich Q&A
Is Glenfiddich A Good Whisky?
Glenfiddich is undoubtedly one of the best whisky brands you can get at a reasonable price, and its sales reflect that. It offers a range of well-balanced aged single malt whiskies that don’t blast you with peat or spice. Excellent for both beginners and experienced whisky drinkers.
What Is The Most Popular Glenfiddich Whisky?
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old is the most popular and best-selling Glenfiddich Whisky. This is an excellent whisky for beginners with a nice balance of fruity notes, butterscotch and oak.
Is Glenfiddich 12 Year Old A Good Whisky?
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old is an excellent entry-level Scotch whisky. It can be enjoyed neat over ice and makes a quality spirit base for any whisky cocktail.
How Should I Drink Glenfiddich?
Scotch whiskies like Glenfiddich are best at room temperature. You can use the warmth of your hand to warm the glass and release more of the flavour compounds. Consider adding a drop of soft, still spring water to open it up.
Although purists frown on it, you can enjoy your Glenfiddich on the rocks, with soda, ginger ale, or any whisky-based cocktail.
Where To Buy Liquor In-Store
I don’t usually provide info on in-store purchases but came across this interesting website called Wine Liquor ‘n Beer that lists cool places worldwide to visit and purchase alcohol. They even have an article for London drinks with a vineyard literally 100m from my childhood home, haha, spooky!
Conclusion
Each Glenfiddich whisky is preferably enjoyed neat, but you can use any of them in a classic whisky cocktail such as an Old Fashioned (my fave!). These whiskies can appeal to a wider audience when mixed with soda, ginger ale, and coke.
I recommend you try several in the range to see which one you prefer. To save money, you could order a glass of the Glenfiddich 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old, and 18 Year Old in your local bar to sample them side-by-side.
Don’t forget to check out the Glenfiddich Experimental Series of single malt whiskies that add more scope to the Glenfiddich range.
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from The Drinks Geek blog. We write articles on several fascinating areas of drinks, including different brands, drink types, cocktail recipes and more.
