which do you prefer and why?

[killerwhale]

just curious.... which whisky do you like better and why?

[ScotchPalate]

This is a tough one. I enjoy both. Both have a noticeable malt presence. The Glenlivet has some spice to it, not too much mind you, some sherry. It is worth buying. I prefer sherryish flavor of the Glenfiddich and some of the more complex flavors like green apples, cinnamon-nutmeg, and a whiff (just a tiny whiff) of smoke. If you are asking which to buy, the answer is definately both. Pick one and buy, and later on go buy the other. I think it's be nice to have the choice of these two in your cabinet.

[lexvo]

Yes, tough one. I prefer the Glenfiddich by a small margin. The Glenlivit is a nice whisky but - for me - sometimes lacks some depth. I would rate the Glenlivet 81 and the Glenfiddich 83.

[Deactivated Member]

This is a really tough call. Both whiskies are similar, with fruity grapes, melons and, perhaps, apples; chocolate, malt, and some vanilla. I'm not sure I get much sherry on either of them. I tend not to be good at picking sherry - especially in whiskies that mix sherry and American wood. But to my mind, Glenfiddich Solera Reserve has a more pronounced sherry feel and older Glenlivets are more sherried.

I confess that I tend to associate Glenlivet 18 with BMI airport lounges, so I am used to trying it in sub-optimal conditions. But nevertheless, the quality shines through. On the other hand, I have enjoyed a bottle of the Glenfiddich at home from a Glencairn glass. This makes comparison even harder.

I'd put both of these on a par, but I'd say that Glenlivet as a whisky has more in the tank - other expressions far exceed the 18yo - whereas Glenfiddich is getting about as good as it gets at the 18yo.

I must also declare some interest as I have received extraordinary hospitality at both distilleries during Spirit of Speyside festivals.

[irishwhiskeychaser]

Glenfiddich always for me if I only have a choice between the 2... I find both quite different actually ..... and the difference is in the sweet taste ... both are equally sweet but there seems to be something in the Glenlivet that I don't go mad about ???

[Matt2]

I would have the Glenlivet after a light citrus dessert and then follow up with the Glenfiddich and a coffee later in the evening.

[Ganga]

Neither is among my favorites. But given the choice between the two I would take the Glenfiddich 18 (not the Reserva).

[killerwhale]

very close poll.... thanks for input!

[bamber]

Think both are great .... The 'Livet, but the 'Fiddich is great too.

The 'Livet is just at tad less cloying for me. Fresher, easier to drink.

[Deactivated Member]

I find both quite different actually ..... and the difference is in the sweet taste ...

They probably are - I've never had the luxury of tasting them one after the other or even in similar conditions. Just trying to go on memory.

[Reggaeblues]

I've owned both , as gifts. the Glenlevit 18 I remember as not being very willing to give up its secrets, whereas the Genfiddich had me thinking "Pretty good for a glenfiddich..." that old 'fiddich snobbery/brainwash creeping in again!

but i didn't rush out to replace either one. Whereas, when i saw the GF 15 solera on offer a few months back, I grabbed one , and thoroghly enjoyed it.

[killerwhale]

thanks again for input.... very close poll.... 8-7
I wonder what the poll would be for the 15 yr. olds.....
I have a feeling the the 12 yr olds would be a hands down win for the 'Livet'.

[Reggaeblues]

...I think you're right.

[Mustardhead]

The Glenlivet wins hands down for me at every level. In fact I'd take a Glenlivet 12 every time over the Glenfiddich 12, 15 or 18.

The Glenfiddich 18 is nice as Glenfiddich goes but it really is running out of steam, I think the 40% abv hurts it a lot.

In contrast the Glenlivet 18 is full of flavour and has a lovely weight on the tongue, like a good Aussie Shiraz. The Glenfiddich is the Lambrusco

[les taylor]

Glenlivet for me.

[Lord_Pfaffin]

Glenlivet has lighter more fruity notes, Glenfiddich is deffinately the heavier and touch smoother IMHO. As for my liking, I would leave them both on the shelf. passing them by to find a bottle of Dalwhinnie or Balvenie.

[mikeymad]

'fiddich,

Pretty much even at 18yo the Glenlivet still taists of alcohol. Not that this is a bad thing, I just like the other better.

Cheers,

[Drrich1965]

How about scaling "down" and going with the Glenfiddich 15? I know it is not in the pole, but I really am impressed with the balance and depth of this one. As I said elsewhere, I spent a week with the bottle while travling, and loved it. My wife, who normlly only likes Islays (oddly enough for a totlal rookie), really thought it was special when she sampled it blind. Oak, malt, sherry, spices, all well integrated. Also, it can be found very inexpensivly.

Rich

[lexvo]

How about scaling "down" and going with the Glenfiddich 15? I know it is not in the pole, but I really am impressed with the balance and depth of this one. As I said elsewhere, I spent a week with the bottle while travling, and loved it. My wife, who normlly only likes Islays (oddly enough for a totlal rookie), really thought it was special when she sampled it blind. Oak, malt, sherry, spices, all well integrated. Also, it can be found very inexpensivly.

Rich

Yes, the Glenfiddich 15 is a nice whisky. My wife and I discovered this one as a nice after dinner whisky during our last holiday.

[Reggaeblues]

Yes, an excellent dram. I've actually made it through 2 Glenfiddich 15s this year! One bought. One gifted. Both lovely. A nice roundness and depth, and relief from the islays that usually frequent my tastebuds...

...and i'm pretty picky when it comes to non-Islays.

[killerwhale]

I agree, the Glenfiddich 15 is a good malt.... I wish it was bottled higher than 40% though....
anyway, thanks all for posts, seems it's a very close poll ....

[Quaichuser]

Between the two that is a very tough call however I lean toward the Glenlivet. Just a touch more luxurious to the my humble tastebuds.

[Cam]

No question, it would have to be the 'livet! Guardian protocol and all .

Cam