Glenkinchie 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

Glenkinchie 12 Year Old is the quintessential Lowland single malt—“The Edinburgh Malt”—crafted just south of Scotland’s capital. Light, floral and impeccably composed, it showcases a creamy, citrus-bright style that’s effortlessly elegant at 43% ABV. A polished aperitif malt with true city-meets-countryside pedigree, it’s a thoughtful gift and a refined staple for any whisky collection.

Tasting Notes & Experience

A breath of spring garden—cut flowers, soft vanilla and warm bakery tones—leads to silk-smooth sweetness that glides across the palate. Hints of lemon cheesecake, butter icing and delicate cereal unfold, lifted by bright citrus and a whisper of spice. The finish turns herbal and gently drying, potpourri and toasted grain lingering with clean, graceful clarity.

Key Details

• Producer: Glenkinchie Distillery
• Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Region: Lowland, Scotland (Pencaitland, East Lothian)
• ABV: 43%
• Volume: 700ml
• Maturation: 12 years, predominantly in American oak (ex-bourbon) to accentuate a light, creamy, floral style
• Serve: Neat or with a splash of water; superb as an aperitif; also elegant over ice

Cocktail Pairings

This light, aromatic malt shines in lifted, aperitif-leaning serves. Try a Highland Highball with chilled soda and lemon zest; a Glenkinchie Old Fashioned sweetened with heather honey; or an Edinburgh Sour with apricot syrup for a blossom-fruited glow. A Sandy Collins is effortless and refreshing, while an Elderflower Mule adds floral snap. For a classic, a deft Rob Roy frames its citrus and vanilla with herbal vermouth.

Craftsmanship & Story

Founded in 1825 and long styled “The Edinburgh Malt,” Glenkinchie draws soft Lowland water and distils in some of Scotland’s largest stills to create a naturally delicate spirit. Twelve years’ patient maturation in American oak rounds the profile to cream and citrus, while meticulous house practice preserves the airy florals that make this an archetypal Lowland dram and a graceful pre-dinner whisky.

Special Features

Glenkinchie 12 balances garden-fresh aromatics with patisserie richness: think vanilla custard, lemon zest and gentle cereal wrapped in a feather-light, creamy texture. The generous 43% ABV gives definition without weight, while long, steady Lowland ageing polishes edges into a poised, appetising malt—equally at home welcoming guests as it is anchoring a refined home bar.

Recognition & Accolades

Celebrated for its elegant Lowland style and aperitif brilliance:

• Winner: Best Lowland Single Malt – World Whiskies Awards, 2016
• Winner: Best Lowland Single Malt – World Whiskies Awards, 2014
• Winner: Best Lowland Single Malt – World Whiskies Awards, 2013
• Gold – World Whiskies Awards, Lowland Single Malt 12 Years & Under, 2016
• Gold – The Scotch Whisky Masters (The Spirits Business), Lowland up to 12yo, 2014
• Gold – World Whiskies Awards, Lowland Single Malt 12 Years & Under, 2014
• Silver (Outstanding) – International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2014
• Silver – The Scotch Whisky Masters (The Spirits Business), Lowland up to 12yo, 2015

These honours underscore Glenkinchie 12 as a benchmark of floral finesse and creamy balance within the Lowland canon.

Food Pairing

Perfect with sashimi or sushi, tempura prawns and scallops in brown butter, where citrus and florals brighten sweet salinity. Pair with Parmigiano Reggiano or young Comté to echo its creamy core, or finish with madeleines, lemon tart or vanilla panna cotta—the whisky’s custard, citrus and blossom notes glide effortlessly alongside.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

An effortlessly elegant Lowland classic—ideal for aperitif lovers, city sophisticates and collectors seeking a refined, floral-creamy single malt with impeccable heritage and year-round versatility.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.