Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve vs North of Scotland 46 Year Old 1971 (Master of Malt)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak ReserveNorth of Scotland 46 Year Old 1971 (Master of Malt)
DistilleryGlenfiddichNorth of Scotland
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV40%41%
Age12 yr46 yr
Price£199£199.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

North of Scotland 46 Year Old 1971 (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner85/100
Value25/100

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

North of Scotland 46 Year Old 1971 (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is better value at £199 vs £200.

For beginners: North of Scotland 46 Year Old 1971 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £199.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

North of Scotland 46 Year Old 1971 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (46 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£199.95 vs £199)

Who should buy Glenfiddich?

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Who should buy North?

North of Scotland 46 Year Old 1971 (Master of Malt) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

VanillaHoneyMalt Extract

Only Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

ToastedNew Wood

Only North of Scotland 46 Year Old 1971 (Master of Malt)

Old Wood

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