1/If The Balvenie 12 American Oak is your bottle, I reckon the one that tastes closest is Glenfiddich 14 Bourbon Reserve. By the words in both reviews and by what drinkers pick, it gives you about 95% of what the Balvenie does, and costs $14 more.
2/In the glass the Balvenie leans sweet and fruity: dripping honey, navel oranges, a little caramel and vanilla. The Glenfiddich goes woodier, oak under heather and barley, floral with a citrus zest. Where they meet is honey, vanilla and oak.
3/This week at Dan Murphy's the Balvenie is $99 and the Glenfiddich is $113 for members, about $14 between them. A yes for each: stay with the Balvenie if it's your dram; reach for the Glenfiddich when you want a change. Which way would you lean?
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