1/The Balvenie 12 American Oak, $99 at Dan Murphy's. Twelve years old, 43%. Sweet, citrusy nose of honey and navel oranges; malt and red apples, then oak spice and a wisp of smoke. For a Glenfiddich 14 Bourbon Reserve drinker, 97% of what it gives, for 72% of its price.
2/The one it stands in for is the Glenfiddich 14 Bourbon Reserve, $138. Oak underpinning heather, vanilla, honey and barley, a touch of citrus zest; well balanced, with a long and enjoyable finish. What a Glenfiddich 14 drinker gives up here is mostly two years of age.
3/None of this unseats the Glenfiddich 14 Bourbon Reserve at $138; for its fans it is still the one to reach for. The Balvenie 12 American Oak, at $99, is simply the one for every other night.
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