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Glenfiddich 12 years Caoran Reserve

malty fresh
3.6
(2)€230Scotland, Speyside, Single Malt

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Whisky character

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Spicy

Taste mentions

Facts

Caoran is a Gaelic word for peat ember, and it names this expression well. Glenfiddich built its reputation on clean, fruit-forward Speyside style. Here the distillery takes a deliberate turn. A gentle layer of smoke drifts through the familiar malty base, adding earthy depth without overwhelming the sweeter notes. Vanilla, honey, and a hint of nectarine are still there. Then the oak arrives, and the smoke follows. It is a different side of a distillery you may already know, and worth exploring neat.

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About the distillery

Distillery

Glenfiddich

Glenfiddich is a Scotch whisky distillery located in Dufftown, Scotland. Founded in 1887, it is one of the few single malt distilleries to remain entirely family-owned and operated to this day. The distillery is situated in a picturesque valley next to the River Fiddich, with water flowing from the nearby Robbie Dhu spring providing a key ingredient in the whisky production process. Glenfiddich uses traditional copper pot stills to distill its whisky, which is aged in oak casks for a minimum of three years before bottling. In 1963, Glenfiddich introduced the world's first single malt whisky to be marketed outside of Scotland, helping to kickstart the global popularity of single malts.

3.6Average rating

84Whiskies on Distilld

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Speyside

Most popular whiskies from Glenfiddich

About the Glenfiddich 12 years Caoran Reserve

Glenfiddich 12 years Caoran Reserve is a single malt Scotch whisky from the Speyside region of Scotland. It was created by Glenfiddich to show a smokier, more peated side of this famous distillery character. The name Caoran comes from the Gaelic word for peat ember, and that detail tells you what to expect. Glenfiddich was founded in 1886 by William Grant and remains family-owned to this day. It runs 28 stills, more than most Speyside distilleries. The distillery played a central role in opening the global single malt market to a wider audience. The Glenfiddich 12 years Caoran Reserve draws on that deep production knowledge while stepping outside the distillery usual style. The nose opens with malty, cereal warmth. Vanilla, honey, and floral notes come first. Then a quiet medicinal smoke drifts through. On the palate the sweet and malty character holds firm. Fresh fruit notes appear alongside earthy, spicy undertones. A mineral edge adds structure. The oak builds steadily toward the finish, where the smoke lingers with a light medicinal quality. What makes Glenfiddich stand out here is balance. The peat never overpowers the sweeter elements. Red berry, mint, and caramel all find room alongside the smoke. It is a rounded, considered expression that rewards attention and patience. This whisky suits those who enjoy Speyside character but want something with more depth. The smoke is present but never aggressive. It sits alongside the sweeter fruit notes rather than replacing them. That restraint is part of what makes this expression worth returning to. Serve this whisky neat. A small amount of water can open up the earthy and fresh fruit notes if preferred. The balance is already well-judged straight from the glass.