Glenfarclas 10 vs 12 Whisky: Which is the Better Choice?

Last updated on August 13th, 2024

As a whisky enthusiast, I often find myself debating between Glenfarclas 10 year old and Glenfarclas 12 year old.

Both whiskies are great offerings from the Glenfarclas distillery but which one should you choose? In this article, I will compare Glenfarclas 10 vs 12 to help you decide which of these two classic whiskies is right for you. We’ll look at the flavour profiles, maturation process and more to determine which whisky has the superior taste and quality.

Glenfarclas is a family-owned distillery located in the heart of Banffshire, Scotland. Founded in 1836, Glenfarclas has been producing award-winning single malt whisky for well over a century. Glenfarclas whiskies are renowned for their unique character and complexity which is created by using only the finest ingredients, traditional methods and ageing processes.

The Glenfarclas Distillery remains true to its roots with its iconic red sandstone buildings surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery. All Glenfarclas whiskies are crafted from pure Scottish spring water, locally grown barley and whisky yeast which is still used in Glenfarclas whiskies today. Glenfarclas has always adhered to traditional methods of production which has allowed them to produce some of the finest Highland single malts on the market.

The Glenfarclas 10 year old whisky is a complex spirit that offers subtle hints of honey, spice and dried fruits. The 12 year old bottle also shows notes of fruit and nutty flavours as well as rich caramelised sugar all rounded off by a hint of oakiness on the finish. Both expressions showcase Glenfarclas’ commitment to creating quality, balanced whiskies that will delight seasoned whisky drinkers and newcomers alike. But let’s dig a little deeper find out which is best: Glenfarclas 10 vs 12.

Glenfarclas 10 vs 12: Quick read comparison

Glenfarclas 10 vs 12: Flavour Comparison

When it comes to comparing Glenfarclas 10 vs 12, the difference in flavour is apparent. Glenfarclas 10 year old whisky boasts a unique flavour profile that features hints of honey, spice and dried fruits. The palate bring an extraordinary burst of sherry sweetness and dried fruits coupled with intricate winter spices and fruitcake. On the finish, expect a delicate lingering bouquet of complexity which includes juicy fruits and spices enriched with subtle notes of aged oak.

Glenfarclas 12 year old whisky has a more luxurious nose with a blend of delicate sherry and Manuka honey. The palate offers flavours of date and walnut cake as well as earthy notes reminiscent of a forest floor. Malt adds toffee apple hints while gentle smoky nuances provide balance to this medium-bodied whisky. Finally, on the finish you’ll experience an intense, warm flavour profile featuring allspice, cinnamon, cloves and sweet orange zest complemented by a subtle oaky sherry finish.

Both Glenfarclas 10 year old and Glenfarclas 12 year old are matured in 100% Oloroso sherry casks for their entire maturation process which helps to bring out the intense fruity characteristics to each expression. Glenfarclas 10 has an ABV of 40% while Glenfarclas 12 has 43% ABV which gives it a slightly higher proof than its younger sibling which may be appreciated by more experienced whisky drinkers who prefer richer flavours.

Glenfarclas 10 vs 12 is an interesting comparison between two classic single malt whiskies from one of the oldest family owned distilleries in Scotland. Glenfarclas 10 year old offers subtle hints of honey, spice and dried fruits while Glenfarclas 12 year old brings indulgent flavours of date and walnut cake along with smoky nuances that intertwine perfectly on the finish. Whether you prefer Glenfarclas 10 or Glenfarclas 12 depends entirely on your own personal preference as both expressions showcase complex flavour profiles that will delight seasoned whisky drinkers alike!

Glenfarclas 10 vs 12: Price

Both Glenfarclas 10 year old and Glenfarclas 12 year old offer excellent value for money. Glenfarclas 10 is priced at around £38.99/$48 while Glenfarclas 12 is priced at around £41.94/$51.51, making them both a very affordable option for whisky lovers looking to enjoy a delightful single malt without breaking the bank.

The Glenfarclas 10 and 12 expressions are both matured in 100% Oloroso sherry casks which helps to bring out the intense fruity characteristics of each expression, yet despite this process Glenfarclas is still able to offer these whiskies at an incredibly reasonable price. Moreover, Glenfarclas 10 has an ABV of 40% while Glenfarclas 12 has 43%, giving it a slightly higher proof than its younger sibling which may be appreciated by more experienced whisky drinkers who prefer richer flavours, but again with little difference in cost between the two expressions they provide good value for money regardless of preference.

Glenfarclas 10 vs 12 offers an excellent comparison between two classic single malt whiskies from one of the oldest family-owned distilleries in Scotland. Both expressions showcase complex flavour profiles that will delight seasoned whisky drinkers alike, while their prices make them accessible to a larger audience looking to enjoy quality single malt without compromising on taste or budget.

Glenfarclas 10 vs 12: Food Pairings

Pairing food with whisky is a great way to enhance the taste experience and enjoy the full complexity of each expression. When pairing food with Glenfarclas 10 or Glenfarclas 12, consider dishes that will bring out the sweetness and earthy notes of each whisky.

The right combination between whisky and food can create an unforgettable taste experience that will highlight both elements in a unique way. Not only that, but understanding which flavours work together can help you become more creative when trying different combinations at home. Experimenting with Glenfarclas 10 vs 12 allows you to explore the vast possibilities between whisky and food pairing in a fun way!

Glenfarclas 10 food pairing

As with all Glenfarclas whiskies they are aged in Sherry casks, they tend to be slightly sweeter in flavour. Therefore when pairing with food it’s always good to match the whisky with opposing flavours. So if matching a sweet whisky go for something savoury or salty to enhance the flavours of both the food and the drink.

Glenfarclas 10 is best paired with salty, aged cheese such as cheddar or gouda. The sweetness of Glenfarclas 10 compliments the saltiness of the cheese, and helps to draw out the nutty and earthy notes in the whisky.

Glenfarclas 10 also pairs well with aged blue cheese which can add a slight smokiness to the whisky while still highlighting its subtle fruity notes.

The perfect Glenfarclas 10 pairing often depends on individual preference and what type of flavours you enjoy. Milder cheeses like brie or camembert can bring out sweeter notes in Glenfarclas 10 while stronger cheeses like parmesan or manchego may enhance the smoky nuances within the whisky. Glenfarclas 10 also pairs perfectly with dried fruits, honeycomb and dark chocolate for those looking for a more indulgent experience.

No matter how you enjoy Glenfarclas 10, this classic single malt is sure to delight any whisky enthusiast who appreciates complex flavours and excellent value for money!

Glenfarclas 10’s delicate balance of sweet and savoury can also be complemented by dishes such as blue cheese burgers or sticky glazed salmon.

Glenfarclas 12 food pairing

Glenfarclas 12 is a complex single malt whisky with bold and smoky flavours, highlighted by sweet notes of heather honey and dried fruit. Its deep flavour profile can be further enhanced when paired with seared scallops. Glenfarclas 12’s sweet and earthy flavour pairs perfectly with the mild sweetness of the scallops and brings out the subtle smokiness of the whisky. The contrast between Glenfarclas 12’s fruity notes and the brininess of the scallops helps to further highlight the complexities within Glenfarclas 12’s flavour profile.

Scallops are an excellent choice for Glenfarclas 12 in particular, as they won’t overpower any of its delicate nuances. Seared scallops also bring out Glenfarclas 12’s toffee, plums, cinnamon and orange peel flavours while providing a bit of crunchy texture that works perfectly in tandem with Glenfarclas 12’s intense finish. By combining Glenfarclas 12 with seared scallops, you can create a unique taste experience that will truly bring out all that Glenfarclas 12 has to offer!

Glenfarclas 12 year old is the perfect whisky for a charcuterie board. Its bold and smoky flavours pair perfectly with the wide variety of meats and cheeses found in a typical charcuterie selection. The sweet notes of heather honey and dried fruit will bring out the sweetness in cured meats like salami, while Glenfarclas 12’s earthy notes will complement sharp cheese such as cheddar or gouda. Glenfarclas 12’s slight smokiness will also enhance the flavours of smoked fish or bacon, providing an unforgettable experience that can only be achieved by pairing Glenfarclas 12 with your favourite charcuterie selections.

Glenfarclas 12 is also enhanced when paired with fruits such as figs, dates and apples, adding a touch of sweetness to any charcuterie board. Glenfarclas 12’s full-bodied finish is well complemented by accompaniments such as olives or pickled vegetables, allowing you to experiment and create endless combinations between Glenfarclas 12 and your favourite charcuterie items. By combining Glenfarclas 12 with an array of flavourful ingredients, you can enjoy all its subtle nuances while also indulging in a classic grazing experience!

Glenfarclas 10 vs 12: Cocktails

Glenfarclas 10: Espresso Martini

Replacing vodka in an espresso martini with Glenfarclas 10 year old is a great way to add complexity and depth to the classic cocktail. Glenfarclas 10’s fruity notes, such as orange and lemon zest, will bring out the sweetness of the coffee liqueur while Glenfarclas 10’s nutty undertones will make for an interesting twist on the traditional espresso martini recipe. To further enhance Glenfarclas 10’s flavours, try adding a dash of cognac or triple sec to the recipe.

Glenfarclas 12: Chancellor

Behold the Chancellor cocktail: an upgraded version of the traditional Rob Roy, featuring Glenfarclas 12—a whisky that has been finished in Oloroso sherry casks for a robust and full-bodied taste. This crafty blend consists of Scotch, vermouth, port and Angostura bitters which results in a rich and sophisticated flavour.

Glenfarclas 10 vs 12: Final thoughts

When comparing Glenfarclas 10 year old and Glenfarclas 12, it’s difficult to say which one is better as both whiskies offer unique flavour profiles. Glenfarclas 10 year old has a light, fruity taste with orange and lemon zest notes that make it ideal for an espresso martini or other cocktails. Glenfarclas 12 year old is full-bodied and smoky, pairing perfectly with charcuterie boards and other savory foods.

With Glenfarclas 10, the subtle flavours mean that you can still get the taste of other ingredients in your cocktail while still getting a nice whisky kick from Glenfarclas 10’s orange peel and heather honey notes. Glenfarclas 12 pairs perfectly with a wide variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, olives, and pickled vegetables; its Earthy notes will complement sharp cheese while it’s slight smokiness will enhance smoked fish or bacon. Glenfarclas 12’s bold flavours also make it great for upgrading the traditional Rob Roy to a Chancellor cocktail – the Oloroso sherry casks give Glenfarclas 12 a robust finish that complements the sweetness of port and richness of vermouth.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference as both Glenfarclas 10 year old and Glenfarclas 12 have their own unique flavour profiles which make them suitable for different occasions. Whether you’re looking for something light to mix into a cocktail or something bold to pair with food platters, Glenfarclas 10 or 12 gives you plenty of options to choose from!

Authors pick

When weighing up Glenfarclas 10 vs 12 I have to ultimately go with the 12 year old as my favourite.

Due to its robust and full-bodied flavour profile. Glenfarclas 12 has been finished in Oloroso sherry casks giving it an earthy, smoky character that pairs perfectly with charcuterie boards, cheeses, fruits, olives, and pickled vegetables. Glenfarclas 12’s unique flavour notes of orange peel, heather honey and subtle smokiness make it a great addition to any dinner party or gathering.

The Glenfarclas 12 also makes for an excellent Rob Roy upgrade. Adding Glenfarclas 12 to vermouth, port, and Angostura bitters gives the cocktail a rich and sophisticated taste that will surely impress your guests. The smokiness from Glenfarclas 12 is balanced by the sweetness of the port and vermouth and enhanced by the Angostura bitters for a truly unique experience.

In addition to its versatility in cocktails, Glenfarclas 12’s bold flavours are perfect for pairing with savoury dishes such as smoked fish or bacon. Glenfarclas 12 can even be enjoyed on its own due to its complexity which offers layers of fruity notes such as orange peel combined with malt and Sherry hints. In short Glenfarclas 12’s unique blend of notes makes it suitable for any occasion and makes it my favourite whisky!