The Glenlivet 18 year old is one of the more affordable single malts on the market, so what exactly are you getting for your money? The answer is something that is highly enjoyable and able to be enjoyed by just about anyone who likes whisky. Its inoffensive flavors are unlikely to put anyone off, and some of the richer folks among us might use this as their “go to” 18 year old whisky.
The nose of this whisky is undoubtedly excellent. It smells of fresh flowers and some oak, a combination I might describe as being ‘earthy’ but not in the damp soil sense. There’s also a little bit of green fruit and a whiff of smoke to top things off. It’s an exceedingly complex nose that is difficult to fully capture in description, so I highly recommend taking a bit of time in nosing this whisky.
The Glenlivet 18 year old is aged in both sherry and bourbon casks, but the end result is more sherry than bourbon. The themes from the nose continue with the palate, with floral and oak tastes being predominant. The finish is dry and quite long. The taste of the Glenlivet 18 doesn’t deliver 100% on what the nose was promising, but it gives you almost everything you hoped for. The finish is again floral, with a freshness that is juxtaposed by a little bit of peat.
I think what makes the Glenlivet 18 so good is that it’s complex yet drinkable. Experienced whisky drinkers can savor and pick apart the flavors involved, whereas less experienced drinkers can enjoy it for what it is: smooth and tasty.
As an additional note, I know this shouldn’t matter but the bottle is just beautiful. Appearance unquestionably influences the palate, so the Glenlivet 18 year old has obviously tried to seduce me with its looks.
Glenlivet 18 Year Old Information
- Type: 18 year old single malt Scotch whisky
- Region: Speyside
- ABV: 40%
- Price guide: 40 British pounds, 80-100 USD