Glenfiddich 12 is arguably one of the most well known entries into the world of single malt Scotch, hailing from the Speyside region. Being primarily a bourbon lover, this is only my second scotch tasting, and my first true single malt. At 40% ABV, I’m not expecting mouth scorching flavors, but it should be very drinkable. Let’s see if one one of the best selling single malts can please a bourbon palate! Enjoyed neat in a Glencairn, no added water. The color is a nice bright golden straw with a sparkling clarity. On the nose depending on the whiff, I'm getting a mix of lemon peel and semi sweet orchard fruits, maybe pear or apple, malt mixed with honey, light vanilla and caramel, and a very faint hint of wood. Pretty pleasant nose with nothing out of balance or dominate, but fairly light. Certainly invites one for a sip to discover more. As a side note, coming over from the bourbon world, when I think of any 12 year old bourbon you typically expect deep barrel wood notes and influence; but in this 12 year Scotch the wood is almost nowhere to be found in the nose and is very light indeed. I would never guess this to be a 12 year whisky! Not saying any of this is a bad thing, just an observation. Palate starts lightly sweet with a fairly nice buttery feel (not overly watery again for the ABV) and with a surprising amount of cinnamon spice kick in the front end for the ABV. Maybe the 12 years in the barrel are finally making themselves known in the spice! The sweetness quickly fades into a more bitter (but not unpleasant) taste, with the flavors of malt and the orchard fruits taking center stage. Playing backup are notes of light honey, vanilla, almond, toasted sugars, and a light bit of oak. Pretty nice indeed, again with everything offering a nice balance and a good mix of flavors. Finish is medium to long-ish with toasted cereal, malt, honey, fruit (more pear/apple), and tongue tickling spice lingering on in various waves. Overall, a nice pleasant entry into the single malt Scotch world. I can certainly see why this is a perennial best selling single malt, as it’s affordable, fairly flavorful and surprisingly spicy, without a hint of peat to be found which should please those not accustomed to peated drams. I think this is a perfectly fine sipper at the price, although not really remarkable in any particular way. For a palate that is accustomed to the traditional bourbon wheelhouse, this one is enjoyable and I will certainly have more pours! Cheers!