Updated July 2026.
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky aged at least 12 years and typically bottled at 40% ABV / 80 proof in the United States. A 1.5-ounce pour is one NIAAA standard drink. Single malt means one distillery and malted barley. The house is in the Pernod Ricard / Chivas Brothers group. We will not reprint a 2022 score or a 2026 MSRP.
Scotch whisky must be distilled in Scotland and aged ≥3 years in oak (Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009). A 12-year statement is the youngest whisky in the bottle. Related: Scotch vs bourbon, Macallan, Scotch calories.
What the 12 actually is
| Fact | Conservative line |
|---|---|
| Type | Single malt Scotch whisky (Speyside) |
| Age | 12-year statement = youngest cask ≥12 years |
| Typical US ABV | 40% / 80 proof (Target and other US tiles). Travel-retail / Illicit Still SKUs can differ |
| Casks | Brand: traditional oak then American oak. Not a TTB “double oak” class |
| 750 mL at 40% | ~17 standard drinks |
Four 1.5-ounce pours are four drinks. A 43% or 48% sibling SKU is more ethanol in the same jigger. NIAAA binge pattern is a health line, not a target. Hours are state law. Vs bourbon: bourbon vs whiskey. Pour math: whiskey drinks.
Sources
- US retail product tiles (Target and others): Glenlivet 12, 40% ABV / 80 proof. Confirm the neck.
- Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009: Scotland; ≥3 years oak. Single-malt definition.
- Pernod / Chivas Brothers ownership. NIAAA (December 2025). No invented MSRP or tasting.