Cadenhead Glen Elgin 12 years

Score: 70

Cadenhead Glen Elgin 12 Year Old entered the club tasting with quiet confidence and walked away with a 3rd place finish, a solid result for a bottle that was generally well liked across the board. It didn’t try to dazzle with extremes, but instead offered a well-crafted, balanced Speyside profile that appealed to both seasoned palates and casual sippers. True to Cadenhead’s reputation for bottling whisky without chill filtration or added color, this Glen Elgin delivered a clean, honest dram. The nose leaned into orchard fruits and soft malt, while the palate brought gentle sweetness, subtle spice, and a touch of waxy texture. It wasn’t flashy, but it was consistent and satisfying, with enough character to earn respect. In a tasting filled with louder personalities, Glen Elgin 12 held its own with understated charm. It may not have topped the charts, but its third-place finish reflected a broad appreciation—and a reminder that sometimes, quiet quality speaks loudest.