Glenfiddich 12yo Recipe

Prepare glass

Select a Glencairn or an old-fashioned glass. If you prefer your whisky slightly chilled, add one large ice cube to the glass now. For a traditional neat pour, leave the glass empty of ice and optionally warm it with your hands for a few seconds.

Measure and pour

Using a jigger, measure 2 oz of Glenfiddich 12 Year Old and pour into the prepared glass.

Add water (optional)

If desired to open the whisky's aromas, add 1/2 tsp of room-temperature or chilled water to the pour. Stir gently with a spoon once to integrate.

Serve

Present the whisky neat (or with the single ice cube). Encourage tasting in small sips — breathe in the aroma first, then take a small sip, hold for a moment to perceive flavours, then swallow. Add a few drops more water only if doing a second tasting to explore changes.

Prepare garnish

If using an orange peel or lemon twist, cut a thin strip of peel (avoid too much pith) with a peeler or paring knife. Express the oils by holding the peel over the glass and giving it a quick twist skin-side down toward the whisky so the oils spray onto the surface, then rim the glass with the peel and drop it in or discard.

Tasting notes guidance

Smell the whisky before tasting to identify pear, oak and honey notes typical of Glenfiddich 12. Take small sips, noting mouthfeel and finish. If served on ice, allow it to mellow slightly as the cube melts — this will dilute and cool the whisky, softening heat and sometimes highlighting different flavors.