Glenfiddich 14 vs 15 | Which is best?

Last updated on August 13th, 2024

Glenfiddich 14 vs 15. I’ve always been fascinated by the world of single-malt Scotch whiskies—constantly seeking out new experiences and flavours to delight my palate.

My journey in providing reviews has led me to the iconic Speyside distillery that has been crafting exquisite whiskies since 1887. Trust me, you won’t find anything more personalised and comprehensive than this one.

Just as I was about to take my drams to the living room, I already had my sights set on two popular expressions from this renowned distillery: the 14-Year-Old Bourbon Barrel Reserve and the 15-Year-Old Solera Reserve.

First up was the Glenfiddich 14. The moment I cracked open the bottle, I was hit with this sweet, vanilla-like scent. I thought, “Oh, this is gonna be good!” as I poured myself a wee dram and let it sit for a bit before taking a sip. 

It had this lovely mix of vanilla and caramel with a touch of fruitiness. I could definitely taste the influence of the bourbon barrels, which gave it a unique twist compared to other Speyside whiskies I’ve tried.

Next, I moved on to the Glenfiddich 15. The color alone told me this was gonna be different—it was a deeper, richer amber. The aroma was more complex, with notes of dried fruits and chocolate. 

The sherry influence was strong in this one. When I took a sip, I was pleasantly surprised by how velvety it felt. The dried fruit and sherry flavors were front and center, with some subtle hints of marzipan and cinnamon. It had a nice, warm finish that left me feeling all fuzzy inside.

But let’s not get too biased with personal preference here.

I chose to compare both Glenfiddich 14 vs 15 to see how these two expressions from the same distillery stack up against each other in terms of flavour, aroma, and overall experience. 

Without further ado, let’s explore of these both sides from a whisky enthusiast’s perspective.

Glenfiddich 14 vs 15: Quick Look Comparison

Glenfiddich 14 vs 15: Glenfiddich 14 Review

Glenfiddich 14, with its deep amber hue, undoubtedly captivates the senses. One could argue that after 130 years in the industry, Glenfiddich has mastered the art of crafting exquisite single-malt whiskies. 

The magic behind this one comes from its maturation process. It starts in bourbon barrels and finishes in new American oak casks. This special aging method gives the whisky an awesome depth of flavor and complexity.

When you take a whiff, Glenfiddich 14 welcomes you with a warm aroma. It’s got this great mix of fruity and woody notes, and you can’t miss the vanilla. Keep sniffing, and you’ll find scents of fresh green apple, ripe pear, and a hint of cinnamon spice. There’s also this cozy toasted oak smell that ties it all together.

It reminds you of a homemade apple pie, fresh out of the oven and sprinkled with cinnamon. The aroma is both comforting and inviting, making you want to dive right in.

As you sip, you’ll taste a fantastic blend of flavors. Glenfiddich 14 has this rich, creamy texture that feels amazing on your tongue. First, you’ll notice the sweetness of toffee and honey, followed by a burst of fruity flavors like apples, pears, and a bit of citrus.

These fruity notes are perfectly balanced with warm, woody undertones that give it depth and sophistication. You’ll taste toasted oak and gentle spices, kinda like sitting by a crackling fire in a log cabin on a cool autumn night. A hint of caramelized brown sugar adds even more sweetness, tying everything together.

The finish of Glenfiddich 14 is just as satisfying and refined. It leaves a warm, sweet taste in your mouth, with hints of honey and caramel. But it’s also got a touch of dryness, giving you a bit of earthy oak and subtle spice that lingers just long enough to make you want another sip.

Glenfiddich 14 could be compared to The Balvenie DoubleWood 12-Year-Old in terms of flavor profile and overall character. Both whiskies share a focus on fruity and sweet notes, with hints of vanilla and oak due to their maturation in bourbon casks. 

However, for some, the sweetness of toffee and honey might come across as a tad too prominent, potentially overshadowing the more delicate nuances of the fruity and woody flavors. This could make the whisky feel less balanced for those who prefer a more restrained sweetness in their dram.

At 43% ABV, Glenfiddich 14 is a nice balance between easy drinking and intense. If you’re used to bolder whiskies, this one’s a nice change of pace without losing complexity. And if you’re new to single malt Scotch, it’s a great way to get started and see what it’s all about.

To really enjoy Glenfiddich 14, you can sip it neat or add a few drops of water. Either way, you’re in for a treat, discovering new flavors with each sip.

Given the skill and care that goes into making Glenfiddich 14, the price of around $76/£68 is totally worth it. If you’re looking to add to your whisky stash or just want to treat yourself to a tasty dram, this single malt won’t disappoint.

Glenfiddich 14 vs 15: Glenfiddich 15 Review

You might say that the Glenfiddich 15 is the more mature and complex sibling of Glenfiddich 14, as it offers a slightly different flavour profile and depth.

Unlike the latter, the Glenfiddich 15 gets its amazing character from a unique Solera maturation process, which involves mixing whiskies matured in three different types of oak casks—American bourbon, Portuguese sherry, and virgin oak. This cool approach gives the whisky a tasty and layered flavor profile.

When you first smell it, you get this elegant and inviting aroma that’s the perfect mix of fruity and spicy notes. The first scent gives you a mix of dried fruits, like raisins, figs, and apricots, along with a touch of warm, yummy baking spices. As you keep smelling, you’ll find a hint of sweetness, kinda like honey, and a little bit of toasted oak, which gives it a sophisticated feel.

It’s like smelling a classic fruitcake, made with a mix of dried fruits and spices, and aged just right. The aroma speaks of tradition, warmth, and a bit of indulgence, setting the stage for an amazing tasting experience.

As you taste the Glenfiddich 15, the aroma’s promise is kept with a great mix of flavors. The mouthfeel is super smooth and velvety, giving a rich feeling to your tongue. The first taste is a sweet mix of dried fruits, like figs and dates, along with warm baking spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg.

After that, you’ll taste a wave of complexity, with flavors of dark chocolate, candied orange peel, and a tiny bit of vanilla. These flavors are tied together by a gentle hint of toasted oak, which adds depth and maturity to the whisky.

They also share similarities with the Macallan 12-Year-Old Double Cask. Both whiskies showcase a combination of fruity, sweet, and spicy notes, with a particular emphasis on dried fruits and warm baking spices. They each feature a rich and smooth mouthfeel, making them enjoyable sipping whiskies. 

Moreover, Glenfiddich 15 has a finish that’s both satisfying and refined. It leaves a warm, subtle sweetness in your mouth, with flavors of honey and a touch of ripe fruit. This is balanced with a hint of earthy oak and a gentle spice that lingers on your palate, making you want to savor each sip.

At 40% ABV, Glenfiddich 15 is a great balance between easy drinking and complex. If you like bold and intense whiskies, this one’s a nice change of pace with a touch of elegance. And if you’re new to single malt Scotch, it’s a great way to dive in and see what it’s all about.

If you’re into stronger whiskies, this one might not totally hit the mark for you. It’s still a great sip, but the lower alcohol content could leave you craving a bit more intensity.

Also, the complexity of Glenfiddich 15 could be a double-edged sword. While many whisky lovers appreciate the layers of flavors, some might find it overwhelming, especially if they’re just starting to explore single malts. It could take a bit of time to fully appreciate all the nuances in the taste profile.

To really enjoy Glenfiddich 15, you can have it neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water. Whatever you choose, it’s gonna be an unforgettable experience, with new flavors to discover in each sip.

However, it’s not exactly the cheapest single malt out there. For those on a tighter budget or just starting to explore the world of whisky, it could feel like a bit of a stretch to splurge on this one. 
Nonetheless, considering the skill and care that goes into making Glenfiddich 15, the price of around $58/£52 is already a bargain deal. If you’re looking to add to your whisky collection or just want to treat yourself to a tasty dram, this single malt is sure to impress and delight your senses.

Glenfiddich 14 vs 15: The Comparison

If you’re having trouble choosing between the two, let me help you out by comparing their flavor profiles, and we’ll see which one might be the best fit for you.

Nose Comparison

First, let’s talk about Glenfiddich 14. This whisky has a deep amber hue that’s really eye-catching. The flavor profile is a delightful mix of fruity and woody notes, with a hint of vanilla. On the nose, you’ll find a warm aroma with scents of fresh green apple, ripe pear, and a touch of cinnamon spice. There’s also a subtle presence of toasted oak, giving it a cozy and comforting vibe.

On the other hand, Glenfiddich 15 sports a deep golden hue that’s equally captivating. Its flavor profile is more on the complex side, thanks to the unique Solera maturation process involving American bourbon, Portuguese sherry, and virgin oak casks. The nose greets you with an elegant aroma that balances fruity and spicy notes. 

You’ll get scents of dried fruits like raisins, figs, and apricots, along with warm baking spices.

Flavour Comparison

Now, when you take a sip, the Glenfiddich 14 offers a rich and creamy mouthfeel that’s just fantastic. It starts with a sweetness of toffee and honey, followed by a surge of fruity zest from apples and pears, and a touch of citrus. This fruity burst is balanced with warm, woody undertones and a hint of caramelized brown sugar. The finish is gently warming and pretty satisfying, with a lingering sweetness and a subtle dryness.

Next, as you taste the Glenfiddich 15, you’ll be met with a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel. The initial sweetness of dried fruits mingles with the warmth of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Then comes a wave of complexity with notes of dark chocolate, candied orange peel, and a whisper of vanilla. 

The finish is refined and satisfying, with lingering warmth, a touch of sweetness, and a hint of earthy oak.

ABV Comparison

With Glenfiddich 14 at 43% ABV and Glenfiddich 15 slightly lower at 40% ABV, this subtle distinction can impact the overall drinking experience.

Fans of a stronger, bolder dram might find the higher ABV of Glenfiddich 14 to be right up their alley. The extra warmth adds depth to the whisky’s fruity and woody flavors, creating a more pronounced and robust profile.

Conversely, those who appreciate a smoother, more gentle experience may gravitate towards Glenfiddich 15. As mentioned, if you’re looking for more intensity, then this might not be for you. Its lower ABV allows the complexities of dried fruit, spice, and oak to truly come to the forefront without being overpowered.

Food Pairing

Now, let’s talk about food pairings and other situations where one might work better than the other. For Glenfiddich 14, its fruity and sweet character makes it a great companion for lighter dishes, like salads, seafood, or even fruit-based desserts.

You could also enjoy it as an after-dinner sipper, or pair it with a cheese board featuring mild to medium cheeses. The alcohol cuts through the richness—cleansing your palate between bites.

Glenfiddich 15, with its complexity and depth, would be a fantastic choice to pair with richer, more robust dishes.

Think of roasted or grilled meats, flavourful stews, or even dark chocolate desserts—complementing each of these main courses to perfection. It’s also a nice option for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a refined and luxurious dram.

Glenfiddich 14 vs 15: Final Thoughts

So, which one should you go for? If you’re running around in circles between these two, it’s understandable. After all, they come from the same distillery.

Both of them seemed like good choices, but I had to make up my mind. After thinking about it a lot, I decided to go with Glenfiddich 14, and I want to share why.

Best	Glenfiddich 14	Glenfiddich 15
Colour	10/10	8/10
Aroma/Nose	8/10	6/10
Mouthfeel	8/10	7/10
Taste/Palate	7/10	7/10
Finish	8/10	7/10
Total	41/50	35/50

Glenfiddich 14 and 15: Author’s Pick

First impressions matter, and that amber hue of Glenfiddich 14 had me at hello. It’s like the whiskey was giving me a warm, golden embrace, inviting me to take a sip. Sure, Glenfiddich 15 has a nice shade too, but the 14-year-old expression radiated with a rich, irresistible charm.

Nosing a whisky can be like taking a whiff of a bouquet—if you’re into that sort of thing. With Glenfiddich 14, I found myself inhaling sweet scents of vanilla and toffee, accompanied by a teasing fruitiness that tickled my nostrils. Glenfiddich 15, while offering a lovely aroma of honey and dried fruits, just couldn’t quite out-sniff the enchanting scent of its younger sibling.

As I sipped the Glenfiddich 14, I reveled in its silky, velvety mouthfeel. It was like a gentle caress on my palate, making each sip an utter delight. However, Glenfiddich 15 is smooth too, but it couldn’t quite measure up to the luxurious texture of its 14-year-old counterpart. It’s like comparing cashmere to cotton. Both are nice, but one is simply more opulent.

Of course, the taste was the make-or-break factor. To my delight, Glenfiddich 14 delivered a flavour profile that was as enjoyable as it was unexpected. With prominent notes of vanilla and caramel, punctuated by subtle fruity undertones, the whisky seemed to unravel a new layer of complexity with each sip. 

Meanwhile, Glenfiddich 15 offered a more traditional palate, featuring honey, raisins, and spices. While it’s by no means a slouch, the 14 managed to tantalize my taste buds just that little bit more.

Lastly, Glenfiddich 14 offered a finish that lingered like a fond memory, with a warmth that spread through my chest like a cozy embrace. The smooth, balanced flavors made me yearn for the next sip, and I couldn’t help but feel that the whiskey was inviting me to embark on a new adventure with each taste. 

Glenfiddich 15 is a good choice—and let’s be honest, there are worse things than having to choose between two Glenfiddich whiskies. 

The Glenfiddich 14 emerged as the superior pick for a variety of reasons. The alluring colour, captivating aroma, luxurious mouthfeel, complex taste, and memorable finish made for a whiskey experience that was simply unforgettable.