Glenmorangie vs Glenfiddich: Which Glen will come out on top?
Last updated on August 13th, 2024
Glenmorangie and Glenfiddich are both iconic Scottish whiskies, with a long history of distilling excellence. But which one is the best?
The Glenmorangie vs Glenfiddich debate is an age-old one, and with so many different expressions of each whisky to choose from it can be difficult to decide which Glen deserves the top spot. To help determine a winner, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the major differences between Glenmorangie and Glenfiddich.
For starters, Glenmorangie is traditionally distilled in copper pot stills that are the tallest in Scotland. Glenfiddich, on the other hand, use a different style of still known as ‘Swan Neck Still’ for their distilling process.
When it comes to the flavour profile and aroma, Glenmorangie is known for its light yet creamy flavours with notes of orange peel and lemon combined with floral undertones and a hint of spice. Meanwhile, Glenfiddich delivers more intense flavours such as dark chocolate and cherries coupled with creamy oaky notes.
Ultimately, deciding which Glen is better depends on personal preference as both whiskies have their own unique characteristics that make them stand out in the crowded Scotch whisky market. However, when it comes down to quality vs quantity, Glenmorangie takes the crown due to its impressive range of expressions and commitment to crafting high-quality whisky.
To assess the distilleries effectively I will compare their range with relevant whiskies:
- Glenmorangie 10 year (The original) vs Glenfiddich’s 12 year.
- Glenmorangie 14 year old vs Glenfiddich 14 year old
- Glenmorangie 18 year old vs Glenfiddich 18 year old
In this article, I will compare Glenmorangie vs Glenfiddich side by side to determine which Glen will come out on top. I’ll examine each whisky’s flavour profile, aroma, finish and overall quality to see which one stands out from the pack. So grab yourself a dram and let’s get started!
Glenmorangie vs Glenfiddich: Category winners
Winner: Glenmorangie
Winner: Glenfiddich
Winner: Glenmorangie
Glenmorangie vs Glenfiddich: Overall Winner
Overall Winner: Glenmorangie
Glenmorangie vs Glenfiddich: Glenmorangie 10 vs Glenfiddich 12
Glenmorangie 10
Nose: An intense burst of tart citrus, sweet nectarine and succulent apple laden with a hint of warming spices
Palate: Enjoy the velvety, luxurious combination of creamy vanilla and caramel-like toffee in these boiled sweets. The perfect balance between sweet and savoury – like tiramisu for your taste buds.
Mouthfeel: soft and thin
Finish: Enjoy the full-bodied, malty flavour of sweet fruit in this lengthy and gentle blend.
Age: 10years
Cask/Barrels: first-and-second-fill American white oak
Strength: 40% ABV / 80 proof
Price: £38 / $46
Glenfiddich 12
Nose: Indulge in the slightly floral and mineralic aroma of grain. It has a heavenly blend of spritiness, orchard fruit, malty sweetness, and honey that sets off citrusy notes.
Palate: effervescent bouquet of light florals and spices.
Mouthfeel: delightfully supple and creamy, like butter.
Finish: Sumptuous notes of oak, sweet stone fruit and an oily texture
Age: 12years
Cask/Barrels: American and European Oak casks.
Strength: 40% ABV / 80 proof
Price: £36 / $43
The comparison
Since William Matheson founded the Glenmorangie distillery in 1843, their whisky has been preeminent for over 175 years. Of all of their whiskies, “the original” – Glenmorangie 10 Year Old – is deemed a single malt Scotch whisky par excellence and prized by connoisseurs everywhere. The process behind its superb taste starts with an exacting selection of Scottish Highland barley air-dried over peat-fired fires to unlock tantalizing smoky flavors underpinned by zesty notes of citrus fruits.
Glenmorangie 10 Year Old is distilled twice in the brand’s signature copper pot stills, which are some of Scotland’s tallest. As a result, its whisky develops an incomparably creamy texture with floral undertones and subtle notes of spice along with hints of orange peel and lemon zest. After this delicate process has been completed to perfection, it is aged for further maturation inside first-and second-fill American oak bourbon barrels that give it added sweetness and complexity.
Glenmorangie 10 Year Old has been lauded by critics for its harmonious balance of savory and sweet notes, as well as the velvety texture that blankets the palate with exquisite flavors of caramelized toffee and vanilla custard. The finish is intense yet gentle — boasting a malty profile with hints of fruitiness that lingers on your tongue long after you’ve had your last sip.
Glenfiddich 12 is the entryway to a world of whisky excellence, crafted by five generations of master distiller Brian Kinsman. This single malt Scotch hails from Speyside Scotland at Glenfiddich Distillery and boasts an unparalleled character that can only be found in this expression. Step into the realm of flavor with Glenfiddich 12 Year Old and discover why it’s beloved around the globe!
Using only the finest Scottish barley, Glenfiddich 12 starts out as a light and creamy whiskey with floral undertones, delicate spices, and a hint of orange peel and lemon zest. The whisky is then distilled twice in Glenfiddich’s signature copper pot stills that are amongst the tallest in Scotland producing a light but flavoursome spirit. The whisky is matured in American and European oak barrels which impart subtle notes of sweetness and complexity.
The perfect balance between sweet malty notes and spiciness makes Glenfiddich 12 Year Old an ideal choice for those looking for an accessible yet full-bodied dram. On the nose you’ll find an effervescent bouquet mixed with light florals and spices while on the palate there’s a delightfully supple creaminess like butter which gives way to sumptuous notes of oak, sweet stone fruit, and an oily texture in the finish.
Price
Both Glenmorangie 10 Year Old and Glenfiddich 12 Year Old offer excellent value for money, as both whiskies are priced at around £37/$46.
For the price of approximately £37/$46 both Glenmorangie 10 Year Old and Glenfiddich 12 Year Old offer outstanding value for money, providing exquisite flavour profiles that match any high-end whisky out there. These magnificent whiskies are full of intricate scents and tastes, ranging from delicate floral undertones to sweet malty notes combined with nuances of citrus fruits or even stone fruit in the aftertaste. If you’re searching for something more complex or simply want a pleasant dram once in a while, then Glenmorangie 10 Year Old or Glenfiddich 12 Year Old will certainly be your best option at an unbeatable price!
Our pick
Glenmorangie 10 year old is a superior whisky for its price point. Careful selection of Scottish Highland barley, dried over peat-fired fires to impart smoky flavour with strong citrus fruit notes craft an exquisite whisky that has been critically acclaimed. Light yet creamy on the palate, you’ll experience indulgent flavours of caramelised toffee and vanilla custard along with subtle fruity undertones lingering long after each sip – making it remarkable in comparison to Glenfiddich 12 Year Old.
For those looking for an accessible yet full-bodied dram at an affordable price point, Glenmorangie 10 year old offers outstanding value for money and provides an exquisite flavour profile that matches any high-end whisky out there. With its light creaminess, sweet malty notes, delicate spices and hints of citrus fruits or even stone fruit in the finish, Glenmorangie 10 year old stands out from the other whiskies on the market today within its price bracket.
Glenmorangie vs Glenfiddich: The 14 year olds
Glenmorangie 14
Nose: On a bed of powdered sugar, savour the summery medley of cedar notes and coffee aromas with almond pastries as the perfect complement.
Palate: An indulgent combination of chocolate mousse, Bourbon biscuits, and toasted almonds; this delight is enhanced by the addition of fragrant orange oil and tart notes of blackcurrant and raisin.
Mouthfeel: Creamy
Finish: The luscious flavour of stewed berries and decadent dark chocolate linger in your mouth long after you’ve finished.
Age: 14years
Cask/Barrels: Bourbon casks & Ruby Port Casks
Strength: 43% ABV / 86 proof
Price: £57 / $69
Glenfiddich 14
Nose: Imagine a delightful olfactory experience with hints of zesty lemon and orange, succulent apple tart, sugary sweetness, and smoky charred oak barrels as you take in the aromatic vanilla scent.
Palate: The rich, sweet notes of caramel and toffee apples intertwine with the bold flavours of vanilla, oak, cinnamon and candied oranges in a delightfully harmonious dance.
Mouthfeel: fresh and lively
Finish: Warm, woody spices blend with sweet butterscotch and toffee popcorn for an unforgettable symphony of silky-smooth sweetness.
Age: 14years
Cask/Barrels: ex-bourbon casks, before being treated to a finishing period in charred new American oak barrels all the way from The Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, Kentucky
Strength: 43% ABV / 86 proof
Price: £64 / $78
The comparison
The exquisite and intricate flavour profile of Glenmorangie 14 is sure to be an irresistible treat for the whisky connoisseur. Its nose offers a bouquet of cedar, coffee scents and almond tarts which makes it smell sweetly summery. On your tongue, its warmth blankets you with tantalizing flavours such as creamy chocolate mousse, Bourbon cookies, orange oil, almonds, blackcurrant and raisin – providing a truly delightful experience!
An aromatic orange oil contributes a tart twist to the already delightful blend of notes, enhancing the flavour even more. After every sip of Glenmorangie 14 you will be left with lusciously smooth flavours such as stewed berries and sumptuous dark chocolate that make it hard not to take another taste.
With its 86 proof strength and an ageing period of 14 years in both bourbon casks before being moved over to ruby Port casks, Glenmorangie 14 delivers a complex yet balanced whisky experience that is truly unrivalled in its price bracket.
Glenfiddich 14 stands apart from Glenmorangie 14 in terms of its flavour profile. The nose of Glenfiddich 14 is zesty with hints of lemon and orange, as well as apple tart, sugary sweetness, and smoky charred oak. On the palate Glenfiddich’s sweet caramel, toffee apples and creamy vanilla entangle with spicy toasted oak, cinnamon, and candied oranges for a truly unique experience.
This exquisite dram is then aged for 14 years in ex-bourbon casks before being finished off in charred new American oak barrels that provide additional depth and complexity to Glenfiddich’s already luxurious flavour profile. Glenfiddich’s finish is warm and woody, with notes of butterscotch and toffee popcorn swirling around your tongue for an unforgettable symphony of smooth sweetness. With Glenfiddich’s 86 proof strength and sophisticated barrel ageing process, this whisky offers an exquisite balance between bold flavours and subtle nuances that will keep you coming back for more each time you take a sip.
Price
With comparable pricing, Glenmorangie 14 Year Old can be bought at just £57/$69, while its competitor Glenfiddich is slightly more expensive at £64/$78.
Although priced differently, these two whiskies provide an exceptional whisky experience that will satisfy even the most discerning of aficionados. Glenmorangie 14 year old boasts a range of intricate and opulent tastes, ranging from cedar hints to coffee undertones, almond pastries to tart orange oil; whereas Glenfiddich 14 is characterised by zesty notes of lemon and orange as well as indulgent flavours such as caramel, toffee apples and creamy vanilla on the tongue.
If you’re after a truly outstanding whisky experience, there’s no substitute for Glenfiddich 14 year old. Its distinct and luxurious flavour profile puts it head and shoulders above Glenmorangie – making it worth every penny.
When it comes to value for money Glenfiddich 14 year old delivers an exquisite balance between bold flavours and subtle nuances that will have whisky enthusiasts wanting more each time they take a sip – making it worth the extra money spent compared to Glenmorangie 14 year old.
Our pick
When it comes to whisky, nothing quite beats the exquisite and complex flavour profile of Glenfiddich 14 year old. The zesty nose consisting of lemon and orange combined with caramel, toffee apples and creamy vanilla on the palate makes for an irresistible tipple that is one-of-a-kind. In comparison, Glenmorangie’s blending of cedar notes coupled with coffee aromas, almond pastries and tart orange oil simply cannot compete against its superior rival – namely Glenfiddich 14 year old!
The finish of Glenfiddich is second to none. You will be left craving more and more with each sip as the lingering flavours, like butterscotch and toffee popcorn, provide a smooth yet warm woody taste that coats your mouth. Enjoying Glenfiddich is truly an indulgence!
In contrast Glenmorangie’s finish is lusciously smooth with lingering flavours of stewed berries and dark chocolate, which are less intense in nature compared to Glenfiddich’s robust finish.
When it comes to value for money I believe that Glenfiddich 14 year old is worth the extra money spent compared to Glenmorangie 14 year old. This whisky offers an exquisite balance between bold flavours and subtle nuances that will keep you coming back for more each time you take a sip; making it an excellent choice for any whisky enthusiast looking for a unique experience.
Glenmorangie vs Glenfiddich: The 18 year olds
Glenmorangie 18
Nose: A combination of creamy citrus and tangy cinnamon, paired with the sweetness of stewed fruits and caramel-drizzled pannacotta will leave you wanting more.
Palate: Aromas of tropical fruit and creamy yoghurt, with notes of nectarines, acacia honey, peaches in cream and the subtle sweetness of butterscotch rounding out this divine flavour profile.
Mouthfeel: Round, full, and silky mouthfeel
Finish: A combination of tangy oak and charred grapefruit topped with rich, caramelised dark sugar.
Age: 18 years
Cask/Barrels: Bourbon casks & Ruby Port Casks
Strength: 43% ABV / 86 proof
Price: £112 / $137
Glenfiddich 18
Nose: Luscious grapefruit, delectably baked toffee apples, scrumptious chocolate Flake-y wood and spicy cinnamon. Enjoy the succulent flavours of fresh fruit!
Palate: The delicious richness of candied fruits and Glenfiddich freshness are complemented by subtle notes of dried apricot, cinnamon, toffee, ginger and dry Sherry for an altogether delightful flavour.
Mouthfeel: Rich and luxurious, with a delicate spicy kick.
Finish: Fruit peels and a touch of salted toffee.
Age: 18 years
Cask/Barrels: mix of oloroso sherry and bourbon casks.
Strength: 40% ABV / 80 proof
Price: £85 / $104
The comparison
Glenmorangie 18 boasts a delectable flavour that is sure to excite whisky connoisseurs. It has an aroma of creamy citrus and tangy cinnamon, as well as notes of stewed fruits and a hint of caramel-drizzled pannacotta. Its nose is reminiscent of tart orange peel, with a slight touch of vanilla for added sweetness. On the palate, Glenmorangie provides a smooth yet complex taste, with layers of creamy yoghurt, nectarines and acacia honey amongst other notes.
When sipping Glenmorangie you may also experience subtle flavours of butterscotch and warm woodiness in the finish. All these unique nuances are achieved through Glenmorangie’s signature distillation process and maturing period, which lasts up to 18 years in specially crafted oak barrels. The result is an exquisite whisky that is truly one-of-a-kind – Glenmorangie can be enjoyed neat or as part of a delightful cocktail recipe.
write about how in contrast Glenfiddich 18 year old has flavours of candied fruits and Glenfiddich freshness are complemented by subtle notes of dried apricot, cinnamon, toffee, ginger and dry Sherry
Compared to Glenmorangie 18, Glenfiddich 18 has a flavour profile that is not just complex but also incredibly diverse. The nose of Glenfiddich offers up luscious aromas of grapefruit and toffee apples, complemented by chocolate flakes, cinnamon and woody notes.
Glenfiddich 18 also features an array of deliciously rich candied fruits on the palate which are perfectly complemented by subtle notes of dried apricot, cinnamon, toffee and ginger. Additionally, the whisky is finished in a blend of Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks which adds a unique layer of dry sherry character that makes Glenfiddich stand out from other whiskies available on the market today.
Overall Glenfiddich 18 offers an exquisite balance between bold flavours and subtle nuances for whisky lovers to enjoy – making it worth every penny spent. This whisky is best enjoyed neat or as part of a delightful cocktail recipe; either way you’ll be sure to appreciate its complexity and cherish each sip as if it were your last!
Price
Glenmorangie 18 and Glenfiddich 18 are both priced higher than your average whiskies. Glenmorangie 18 retails for around £112/$136.50, while Glenfiddich 18 is slightly more affordable at £85/$104. Any whisky enthusiast or person who wants to reward themselves with an extraordinary dram will be thoroughly pleased with Glenmorangie and Glenfiddich’s exquisite taste experience – despite the price tag.
Every penny spent on these two Scotch whiskies is worth it! The price tag reflects the outstanding quality since each whisky has been aged in specially crafted oak barrels for a minimum of eighteen years. This maturation process produces an intoxicating flavour profile that comes from distillation and casks previously used to contain Oloroso Sherry or bourbon – creating something truly unique and delicious.
These whiskies not only offer a unique and unforgettable taste experience, but make for the perfect gifts to celebrate special moments such as birthdays or anniversaries. They stand out from the ordinary bottles of whisky that we become accustomed to day-to-day. The Glenmorangie and Glenfiddich are not just classic favourites but also represent luxury and sophistication – sure to leave any whisky lover satisfied!
Our Pick
My favourite whisky out of Glenmorangie vs Glenfiddich is Glenmorangie 18 year old. Glenmorangie 18 boasts an exquisite aroma of creamy citrus and tangy cinnamon, as well as notes of stewed fruits and a hint of caramel-drizzled pannacotta. On the palate, Glenmorangie 18 offers a smooth yet complex taste, with layers of creamy yoghurt, nectarines and acacia honey amongst other notes. The whisky also has subtle flavours of butterscotch and warm woodiness in the finish which adds to its unique character.
I recently bought Glenmorangie 18 as a gift for my father’s 60th birthday.
My father was blown away by this special gift, knowing how much Glenmorangie 18 represents class and sophistication in the Scotch whisky market. I’m sure Glenmorangie 18 will be appreciated each time it is sipped neat or used as part of a delightful cocktail recipe – making it worth every penny spent! Glenmorangie 18 is not just a classic favourite but also stands out from other whiskies available on the market today – making it perfect for any special occasion or celebration where you want to treat yourself or your loved ones!
In comparison to Glenfiddich 18, Glenmorangie 18 offers a more rounded flavour profile that is both complex and diverse. While Glenfiddich 18 has luscious aromas of grapefruit and toffee apples on the nose, Glenmorangie offers an array of fresh fruit notes such as tart orange peel with a slight touch of vanilla for added sweetness. Additionally, Glenmorangie’s finish provides an extra layer of warmth thanks to hints of butterscotch and woodiness that are not present in Glenfiddich’s dry sherry character.
Overall I find Glenmorangie 18 has more depth in terms of flavour than Glenfiddich 18; its distinct combination of sweet citrus tones on the nose paired with warm woodiness on the finish make it truly exceptional amongst other whiskies available on the market today – making it my favourite pick when enjoying a dram!
Glenmorangie vs Glenfiddich: Overall winner
When pitted against each other in a head-to-head taste test, Glenmorangie 10 proved to be the clear overall winner – even beating Glenfiddich’s 12 year old whisky. Glenmorangie 10 exhibits a more complex array of flavours than Glenfiddich 12; boasting notes of honeycomb, roses, apples, orange zest and baking spices on the nose. The palate offers further complexity with flavours of oak tannins mingling with dried fruit sweetness and a hint of peat smoke whilst the finish displays great length with a pleasant dryness that lingers on the tongue.
Glenfiddich 12 falls slightly behind in terms of complexity compared to Glenmorangie 10; exhibiting aromas of apple blossom, cardamom pods and cocoa beans on the nose followed by flavours of cola cubes and lemon sherbet finishing off with oaky tannins. Despite this however it still maintains a smooth texture throughout with an enjoyable sweetness that makes it an enjoyable dram.
All things considered, Glenmorangie’s 10 year old whisky represents superior quality when compared to Glenfiddich’s offering due to its complexity and well-rounded character achieved through expert distillation techniques over many years – making it the overall winner in this comparison!
However, when it came to the 14 year olds, Glenfiddich emerges as thel victor. On the nose, Glenfiddich reveals sweet aromas of toasted hazelnuts, sugared almonds and dried apricots with a subtle hint of peat smoke. This is followed by flavours of honeycomb and dark chocolate on the palate that combine beautifully with Glenfiddich’s signature oakiness. The whisky has a long finish full of spiced apples and sultanas that leave a lingering warmth on the tongue – making it an ideal choice for those after a smooth yet flavourful dram.
Overall, Glenfiddich 14 year old offers superior quality over Glenmorangie’s offering with its deep flavour profile achieved through skilled maturation techniques over many years. When enjoyed neat or as part of a delicious cocktail recipe this whisky offers maximum enjoyment due to its complexity and long-lasting finish – making it an ideal choice for those looking for an exceptional dram!
So it all came down to the 18 year contest to be the decider.
The Glenmorangie vs Glenfiddich 18 year old contest, Glenmorangie emerged as the clear victor. Glenmorangie’s 18 year old single malt whisky boasts an array of complex aromas and flavours thanks to its unique maturation process which involves the spirit being aged in casks that have previously held both bourbon and sherry. On the nose, Glenmorangie reveals notes of sweet honeycomb and ripe citrus fruits followed by a palate full of creamy vanilla, spicy woodiness and a hint of smoke – making for a wonderfully balanced dram. The finish displays great length with a lingering spiciness that is both pleasing and comforting on the tongue.
In comparison Glenfiddich’s 18 year old offering falls slightly behind in terms of complexity; possessing sweet aromas of dried fruits, toffee apples and nutmeg on the nose with flavours of sugared almond, hazelnut and lemon sherbet on the palate. The finish is pleasant however lacks any real depth or complexity when compared to Glenmorangie’s mature single malt offering.
All things considered, Glenmorangie’s 18 year old whisky represents superior quality when compared to Glenfiddich’s offering due to its complexity achieved through expert distillation techniques over many years – making it the overall winner in this age bracket comparison!
Making Glenmorangie our favourite in the battle between Glenmorangie vs Glenfiddich.
Keen to read more about Glenmorangie and Glenfiddich? Why not check out our other article Glenmorangie vs Glenfiddich vs Glenlivet?
