Review: The Glenlivet 18 yr Old Single Malt Scotch

Updated tasting note on November 6, 2016
Glenlivet scotch is the second best selling single malt scotch in the world. With that kind of world wide market share and popularity, one has to wonder if it is any good. I am here to report that this distillery makes a pretty good 18 yr old single malt.

Price
Reasonable considering it is an 18 year old single malt.

ABV
43%

Closure
Cork stopper.

Region
Speyside.

Format
750ml

Casks
Combination of first fill and second fill American (ex-bourbon) and European oak (ex-sherry) casks.

Nose (undiluted)
Concentrated vanilla, aromatic sherry, orange blossoms, cherry blossoms.

Palate (undiluted)
Up front spiced oranges, honey, fuzzy pears, then a herbal note, caraway seed or mineral like quality followed by sherry and oak.

Finish (undiluted)
Dominated by lumbering oak that is so spicy that it becomes bitter but not to the point of astringency.

General Impressions
This is good value for money. Not the best single malt but not the greatest in the 18year old category. Oban 14yrs is similar in taste but is superior.

In order to get rid of the bitterness or grapefruit pith notes you need to add a little water.  The water makes it more creamy, brings out milk chocolate and eliminates the bitterness referenced above.

Years ago, I do not recall the spiciness of the oak moving towards bitterness.  In the past this malt had more of a milk chocolate profile.  That has changed.  Water is a must!


Cheers!



Jason Debly

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