The Glenlivet 12
Speyside, Scotland
Light, floral Speyside style. Bottled at the minimum 40% ABV with E150a caramel coloring. Sherry cask portion introduces some sulfites.
- Aging
- 12 years, ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks
- Congeners
- High
- Histamines
- Moderate
- Polyphenols
- Moderate
- Sulfites
- Low
- Tannins
- Moderate
- Sugar
- Very Low
- Additives
- Low
In its favor
- ✓Long mature whisky at accessible price
- ✓Lighter, lower-phenol style
What to watch
- !Caramel coloring (E150a)
- !Chill filtered
- !Sherry casks contribute sulfites
Factor by factor
Congeners High ▾
Byproducts of fermentation (methanol, acetaldehyde, fusel alcohols). Strongly linked to hangover severity; darker, less-distilled spirits carry more.
Histamines Moderate ▾
Produced by bacteria during fermentation/aging. Trigger flushing, headaches, congestion in sensitive drinkers. High in red wine, beer, aged spirits.
Polyphenols Moderate ▾
Plant compounds with antioxidant activity. Slightly protective at low doses but at high concentrations may worsen hangover via tannin/quercetin reactions.
Sulfites Low ▾
Preservatives (SO₂) added to wine and some beers. Common trigger of headaches, asthma, and allergic-type reactions.
Tannins Moderate ▾
Astringent polyphenols from skins, seeds, barrels. Bind proteins, slow alcohol clearance, and aggravate dehydration-style symptoms.
Sugar Very Low ▾
Residual sugar amplifies hangover via blood-sugar swings and dehydration. Liqueurs and cocktails are the main offenders.
Additives Low ▾
Colorants, flavorings, glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbates. Cheap spirits and ready-to-drinks often hide these in trade-secret formulas.
Glenlivet 12 is the gateway single malt for a reason: gentle, fruity, easy. The caramel color and chill filtration are common compromises at this price tier.
The Glenlivet 12 questions
Is The Glenlivet 12 gluten-free? ▾
Not by label. The Glenlivet 12 is distilled from a gluten-containing grain, so US rules bar it from claiming gluten-free. Distillation does remove the gluten protein, and the Celiac Disease Foundation considers distilled spirits safe for most coeliacs. If you would rather avoid the question, pick a spirit distilled from corn, potato, grape or agave.
What proof is The Glenlivet 12? ▾
The Glenlivet 12 is 80 proof, which is 40% alcohol by volume.
Does The Glenlivet 12 give you a bad hangover? ▾
The Glenlivet 12 scores 6/10 on the SpiritFacts Hangover Index, against 7/10 for scotch overall. The main drivers are its congeners.
Is The Glenlivet 12 vegan? ▾
Yes. The Glenlivet 12 is listed as vegan, with no animal-derived ingredients or fining agents.