Review 169: Glenlivet 18

I'm incrementally reviewing my way through the Glenlivet family. First it was the 12 year old, then the 15 last review, and now it's time for the 18. These are all very popular whiskies, so I guess it's about time I reviewed them!

Glenlivet 18

Color: Amber +0

ABV: 43%

Aroma Neat:
Fresh Apples, Apple/Cherry Blossoms, Buttery Oak, Mineral Water (a hint), Light Molasses, Leather Conditioner, Ground Cinnamon (mild), Sweet Golden Barley, Cedar Chips, Copper.

This is apple-forward in a very "Glenlivet" way. I recall not thinking much of the 18 last time I had it, but this nose is much better than I recall. It's easy and inviting: what most people would probably expect out of an 18 year old Scotch.

Aroma Water:
Golden Barley, Grain Flour/Grist, Cherry Blossoms, Mineral Water, Cedar Chips, Old Soap (in a good way).

Very subdued with water. Perhaps a bit too subued...

Taste Neat:
Buttery Oak, Sweet Sap/Woody Honey, Light Molasses, Golden Syrup, Cooked Apples, Cinnamon, Stewed Pears.

Lots of sweet notes, but not overly sweet at all. Actually quite nice.

Taste Water:
Honey, Cinnamon Sticks, Stewed Apples/Pears, Golden Syrup, Crystalized Ginger (slightly), Bitter Barley, Buttery Pie Crust.

The palate is pretty similar to neat, though maybe a bit sweeter and bit less fruity. Getting thin though...

Finish:
Clove Oil (very slightly), Cooked Apples, Cinnamon, Tannic Oak, Brass/Copper.

Not much of a finish on this one, short and simple.

Conclusion:
Nice easy nose, but drowns in water.

Decent palate, which is agreeable, but gets thin with water.

Short, ok finish.

Rating: 79/100

Keep it neat (or bottle at higher strength, Glenlivet)! Not a bad dram, but underwhelming in terms of quality for an 18 year old. I like the 15 French Oak a tad better.

Next up, the Glenfiddich 18! Time for a direct comparison between the two most popular single malt brands (I think that's still true)!

Josh