The Glenlivet 18 Years sits in the middle of the Glenlivet core range, in between the 12/15 and the 21/25 yo. It is a combination of first fill American and second fill European oak casks.
The Glenlivet 18 yo
(43%, OB +/- 2013)
The Glenlivet 18 yoNose: quite a robust nose with fruits (yellow apples, oranges, golden raisins, plums) and a good dose of sherry. Also honey and a minty overtone. Some blossomy notes and subtle oak spices. Something vaguely tropical comes out after a while.
Mouth: more punchy now, more oak-driven as well. Malty notes, honey and lots of sweet apples. Oranges and raisins. Toffee. The oak brings cinnamon, ginger and liquorice. Maybe a tad too grainy / harsh towards the end, with some tannins.
Finish: not too long, quite dry but clean, with some toasted oak and grains.
A solid all-rounder. The nose is elegant, relatively complex and with the typical floral touch of Glenlivet. After that it goes downhill, with a harsher palate and a short finish. Between € 50 and € 70.
Score: 83/100