Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Extremely Rare

As one begins the journey of writing we're taught the evilness of adverbs. "Extremely Rare" indeed.

At any rate, this is an enjoyable whisky at a good price. It has complexity, albeit thin, and what it lacks is that rounded, lingering finish. Its palate is smooth -- "very creamy", as noted by the Chaps at Master of Malt -- and this allows for sweet citrus ("tinned"?!) to arise with honey notes. The nose is excellent but, for me, the finish too light. It is akin to well formed symphony that's finished with a single tap on a triangle.

Perhaps a mild exaggeration, but the finish could have been longer with greater sophistication. Nevertheless, an excellent dram and one work savouring.

31st August 2019

Apple peel, hotdogs with sweet honey, with a hint of rum mixed with the scent of a scout hut.

30th August 2019

Very good and tasty whisky. You can feel the smell of citrus, orange, pears, apricot, vanilla, pomerans, hazelnut and buttercola. Amazing long aftertaste after only a short slip. This is an amazing piece of high and brilliant art...

19th August 2019

Absoletuly not worth it. Bland and without taste. Do not buy.

8th July 2019

Simply the best...

7th July 2019

Undoubtedly, this is a very mature dram with wonderful creamy citrus flavours through the nose and pallatte moving through to a big sherried oaky finish. It will not appeal to whisky fans looking for a unique selling point. It's a great whisky. Not a groundbreaking one. It is expertly balanced and delicate but without any serious depth of complexity. For me personally I find it is an excellent match for cigars. It oozes quality and mouth watering flavour without undermining or clashing with the flavours of my favourite sticks. Those big citrus flavours and long lasting lemon peel on the finish work well in conjunction with the spicy cedarwood taste of mature tobbaco. It may not be for everyone searching on this site for the perfect whisky but if you're either just starting out in the world of whisky or you have a penchant for cigars I highly recommend it. I reserve a bottle on the top shelf for my summer afternoons in the garden.

27th May 2019

Very light, almost tasteless. Great disappointment. Expensive for what it offers.

17th April 2019

Like every Scot, I have seen Glenmorangie every single time I have walked into a pub but like many, I haven't drunk it since I was a teenager. I went through my "just for beginners" adolescent contempt stage and settled into respectful neglect while searching for more exotic whiskies. In fact, until today, I hadn't drunk anything from this distillery in at least 10 years, if not 25!
For the last few weeks I have been drinking a bottle of Port Charlotte Ten Years "Heavily Peated". I am very glad I bought this dram, but I do not find it easy to drink. I treat it with respect and drink it sparingly. Going from that to this 18 year old Glenmorangie is like going from freeform jazz to a 3 minute pop song. One is challenging, the other just makes you feel good. After the first mouthful I had a huge smile on my face and I felt "home". No, it is not particularly complex. It won't make you re-evaluate your taste-buds.
It is just lovely, creamy sweetness.

11th March 2019

Nectar from the gods

10th February 2019

Average dram with medium finish and low complexity. Pick it up only when discounted

23rd January 2019

Expensive only due to age statement not worth it

12th January 2019

Not quite sure about all the rave reviews on here. It’s certainly a smooth dram with a bourbon hit at the start but lacks any real character or complexity. It’s a shame as I was hoping the ‘rare’ tag might mean they had blended in a bit more character.

6th January 2019

I've tried plenty of 18 years single malts before...this is certainly on the top of my list!!!!

20th December 2018

I tasted last night. It is the best Scotch, blend or single malt, I have ever had. Smooth, creamy-rich and not too peaty. Perfection in a bottle.

11th December 2018

Was supposed to be for my collection but was opened from someone during Hogmanay party with old friends , looked for it since but for a keepsake this time as it was a present from my wife . Looked about for it with no joy ,

8th December 2018

This stuff is worth every penny.
Ive had the pleasure of sampling many malts in the past few years, from Macallen to Octomore this is good.
Im a peat-head, but this is just brilliant stuff. Apples on the nose and I'll leave the rest to you. Cm

6th December 2018

Even I drink peated whisky 80% of the time, I have to admitt this one is really good. It just do the job perfectly and there is no way you do not like it. A very complex and mature whisky, with incredible sweetness as well. It will suit everyone on Xmas, no doubt.

27th November 2018

Excellent!

11th October 2018

Amazing!! Best one i ever tasted!

10th October 2018

Once upon a snowboard trip someone forced me to accept their expensive bday present drink, and I've never forgotten the drug that turned me. Sweet and delicious it was, compared to what my naive self though of as 'whisky'. Twenty eighteen re-take, nearly two decades later. The MoM tasting notes are spot on, but what it misses is impact -- this needs 46% or 48% bottling strength, with no doubt in my mind. The balance of oak (and generally lack of spice) and fruit is made for consumers who think 'smooth' is a god, that, once uttered, makes them knowledgeable. It's smooth, but an 18 yr cask strength would be glorious. Here's to all glory, former or future.

7th August 2018

One of the best single malt scotch i’ve tasted

8th July 2018

Amazing. Never liked whiskey before. it was always to "burny" and rough to drink. Glenmorangie 18 yo taught me what a good single malt should taste like. Since then, nothing else will do.

9th March 2018

Absolutely fabulous
Not mine but wonderful

10th February 2018

If you're looking for the most perfect Scotch available, look no further. Suggest you get your bottle soon before the secret is out and becomes overpriced like Blue Label and Mac 18.

6th February 2018

If there is a better single malt, lets hear it!

4th February 2018

This is the benchmark for single malt highland whiskey. Challenge it, I dare you.

24th January 2018

Lovely 18 year old whisky.

A bit too much oak in the finish for my personal taste but all round a top draw dram

22nd January 2018

Was going to buy the Glenmorangie Astar because whiskey advocate picked it as their #2 whiskey of the year. Read too many poor reviews on MoM and opted to pick this up instead. What a treat. Could not be more satisfied. The floral nose is just spectacular.

8th January 2018

What a good tasting whisky. Love it.

18th November 2017

Nose of apricots, berries, and wood. Taste of honey, chocolate, and berries.

2nd November 2017

Beautiful on the nose. Exquisite on the palate. One of my favourites on a cold winters night

5th June 2017

Rich thick orange peel honey vanilla great balance and finish. Lovely dram

13th May 2017

It's not a mid-range sherried Speyside (Glenfarclas 15 etc.) but then again, it's not trying to be. This has all the fruit and floral fragrance of a good tall-still single malt with a little extra richness and dried fruit depth from its final three years in the Oloroso sherry casks. I think any spare £85 I have in the whisky budget might go elsewhere just for my personal taste but this is a fine dram with its own unique style and character.

6th May 2017

Couple this with a nice mellow Cuban. Ahhhh... This is a nice smooth dram with a beautiful finish.

28th April 2017

I wish I could retract my previous review. Having taken the time to settle with this one a bit, I have to say it's incredible. On nose, palate, finish, it's everything you want and nothing you don't. Now, it's not an Old Pulteney 21 finish, but it's good enough. Complexity-wise, yeah, it delivers plenty of tasting notes (MOM notes above are pretty accurate). You do have to search for them, but once you find them, somehow you remember that and the next time it's less of a struggle. I wish I could explain better. But yeah, this one doesn't punch you in the face with anything, just provides a nice yummy undertone that you can appreciate if you're patient. I like it anyway.

16th March 2017

I got this bottle years ago...got lost on a shelf...only 1/4 left...it's wonderful....neat or w a couple of drops.....all that it says it is....the bourbon sweet at first..then toffee spice sherry dry finish aromatic. Clean feeling inhaling on the palate..not as complex as it is robust....dee lightful !

14th March 2017

Don't get me wrong, there's absolutely nothing wrong with this. And it's not even entirely lacking in complexity. There's just not much of it. You have to search for it. There's nothing that is calling out begging me to buy another bottle of it. It's a very drinkable whisky for sure. In fact back in the days when I was a heavier drinker, I could see this a being a good relief from "complexity fatigue", even though I'd probably not respect myself for it. But now that I'm a less frequent drinker, I'm looking for something a bit more pronounced. I'd call this a dainty version of the Aberlour 18. Pretty good, just not what I'm looking for.

14th March 2017

It is the Finest touch of Malt found in the world. I have had but one other which was from the same distiller, and fills the soul with a touch of the hearth, the ground where it is made and the wood from where it is made. What else can any man/woman ask for. Our Lodge was opened in 1450 and we have from that date till now have used this as our toast to a new Master. god Bless the Queen, the craft, and our country.. Stand by that which is proven and with us it is proven. P.M. Sty. Andrew's Lodge No 1 on the Register of the G.L.N.S.

7th February 2017

Magnificently smooth, excellent flavor with fruity remnants. Among the best I have tried. All too easy to drink neat. Is there any other way?

14th January 2017

Was a Jameson fanatic after taking the tour in their Middleton Ireland Distillery - still love the Distillery Select but can't get it in the States. Tried the Johnny Walkers, all levels, with not much liking - too smoky. Daughter and Son In Law gave me a bottle of Glenmorangie Extreme for my 60th and OMG is it good! Drink it neat or on the rocks and it's smoooooth (yup, meant to put in all them 'o's) with a great finish. Think I found my new Whiskey Love! Will definitely buy more.

29th December 2016

Well once again it is Christmas so I am drinking an 18 year from The Glenmorangie distillery and this stuff is tasty.Creamy caramel delight with honey and greek yogurt and citrus with a beautiful oaky finish.MOM got the tasting notes spot on.Superbly smooth I am drinking this stuff neat for sure.A bit out of my usual price range I will definitely cherish this bottle. Merry Christmas everyone. Cheers! The Sugarbear

26th December 2016

ויסקי משובח. עדין פירותי וחלק

4th December 2016

This is so smooth and flavors explode in your mouth, almost like a Hibiki 17 but without the hefty price tag.

29th November 2016

Smooth and creamy (toffee?) mellow finish. My first, hopefully not my last.
Not seen this before on top shelf?
M.N

29th October 2016

This is one of my favorites, but I am on the sherry monster end of the scale. My three top are Aberlour (a private label I picked up in a Dublin whisky bar), then Nomad and then this...

7th September 2016

Realmente con cuerpo y unos matices que dejan muy datisfecho

25th August 2016

It expected more, but ended up disappointed. The aroma is fantastic, however the flavor left a lot to be desired. It was missing all the flavors within the aroma and had little complexity. Regardless, an easy dram to sip if it is there.

11th August 2016

My favorite

29th June 2016

A very floral and fruit smelling surprise.The perfect dram is taste and smelling harmonize. This is so close this harmony as it is possible.

17th June 2016

Really wanted to enjoy this after reading reviews. Felt thin and flat, and very overpowering alcohol smell and taste when first opened. Got a little better as it oxidized.

24th May 2016

floats my boat well. Will get this whisky many times more

14th May 2016

Today, May 8th, is my 85th birthday. I received this exquisite gift from my brother. Soon there will be a celebratory opening and tasting!

8th May 2016

Une explosion de saveurs tout en douceur avev une finale incroyablement savoureuse tout en longeur.

Encore une fois; Bravo !

2nd April 2016

The finish is like a grown mans candy if you ask me. I have to keep 2 bottles on hand for my guests.

23rd March 2016

This whisky is very smooth the subtle taste of honey really comes through and is lovely on the palette one of the nicest i have tasted. Everyone should buy one soon. Very Nice.

7th March 2016

For me personally this is one of the best so far. I really like finish of this whiskey.

7th March 2016

The original 10yo is very very good. But the 18 is excellent - has one of the longer finishes I've ever tasted.

5th March 2016

Excellent whiskey

27th January 2016

Tasting note a hint of vanilla, big on fruitiness, sweet honey, complex citrus and lychee.
The only downside is the price.

21st January 2016

Bog standard and hugely over priced.

17th January 2016

Can't wait to have it delivered to my brother-in-law and sister-in-law as they celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary!

9th January 2016

So smooth and fruity to start, wish a woody spicy finish.

24th December 2015

First time I've tried this whisky, and I have to say, it taste exactly how the box says it taste. Amazing, a must try, and good enough to be an every occasion go to whiskey.

17th December 2015

Was able to enjoy this as a surprise birthday present. What a cut above the rest. It was the La Santa raised to the next level. Even my wife, who is not a scotch drinker, enjoyed this immensely. Very smooth, wonderful warm finish.

18th November 2015

Fantastic whisky, wonderful vanilla, sugary nose, the smell intoxicating. A must buy

10th September 2015

Fantastic! One of the best I've ever had.

30th June 2015

Simply wonderful. Excellent presentation, incredibly smooth, and one of the greatest finishes I've ever had.

19th June 2015

excellent scotch

10th June 2015

35 years ago I started with J&B, then JW Red, JW Black, Pinch, Chivas 12, some other 18 & 25 year olds. One night at a business dinner I had Glenmorangie 18, and it was love at first sip. A few years later I was in a restaurant by myself in Washington DC (on business), and I ordered a glass of this. Five minutes later, the bartender stopped by my table and said the young lady at the bar would like to buy me a drink. "Why?", I asked. He said, "When a beautiful young lady asks to buy you a drink, you don't ask 'Why?'. So I said, "No really, why." And he went on to explain that she was the Johnny Walker salesperson for that area, Johnny Walker was rolling out a 15 year old scotch, and when she heard me order the Glenmorangie 18 she wanted my opinion on her 'new' scotch. It was OK, but didn't come close to the Glenmorangie 18.

8th June 2015

Probably the best single malt I have tasted ☺

15th May 2015

This whisky is art. The best example of balance that I have tried so far. There is a lovely creamy texture to it. It reminds me of gold top milk in whisky form with a subtle tang of fruit in the background. A proper all rounder.

8th May 2015

You should like this one. Unfortunately i'm not a fan.

28th April 2015

The packaging of this bottle is riveting and eye catching and draws you into the quality of the bottle. When experiencing the subtle sweet flavors and it bold vanilla presence, you appreciate its floral notes in comparison with its fruits. Still debating if it is a "signature staple" bottle on my shelf since it is battling with other great 18yr olds and possibly might become one, but nonetheless, is a good Highland Whisky to explore.

6th February 2015

Admittedly I like a smoother finishing scotch, so if you're looking for a distinctive burn or peaty finish then look elsewhere. If what you do enjoy is a wonderfully balanced scotch with a pleasant warming finish then this is the scotch for you. I'm on my third bottle I like it so much.
To put my tastes into perspective my collection always has a bottle of each of the following: Glenfiddich 18 yr Single Malt and 15 yr Distillery Edition, Aberlour A'Bunadh, Balvenie 17 yr Doublewood and 14 yr Caribbean Cask.

1st February 2015

It is a smooth pleasant tasty enjoyable drink in single malts..Whisky lovers must keep it and enjoy.

5th January 2015

Santa provided and this 'nice' guy found it smooth and a real treat on a chilly winter night...this will most likely become my 'go to' Scotch of choice.

26th December 2014

I have an affection for Glenmorangie Scotch. The qunita ruban regins supreme at my bar as an 'everyday' scotch...but arent they all? When I travel this 18 yr Glenmorangie is what I look for at duty free. It is exceptional! I only share it with guests whom can appericate the fine quality of scotch paired with a beautiful cuban cigar, which maybe why I have 2 unopened bottles. Light, tasty and easy to drink. Becareful you don't devour it in one sitting, nor start with it and switch off to something thats on a lower shelf in the bar. A MUST TRY!

16th December 2014

@gift for 18 year friendship, very helpful review, thank you so much! The other news is I changed my socks today.
Seriously, this dram is lovely, like an enhanced version of 10 year, huge step up. Don't forget EVERYTHING in between - Quinta Ruban, Lasanta and Nectar D'Or, in other words - this is for those who love Glenmorangie!

9th December 2014

I enjoy but it is slightly lacking in a lasting impression. In NC we have limited choices in premium single malts. I would still recommend but I encourage the more adventuresome to look elsewhere.

5th December 2014

Bought for my best friend for his birthday about year ago, still hasn't opened, ill keep you updated.

6th November 2014

This is a very nice, smooth single malt. For an 18 year I was hoping for a something a bit special in the finish, but as is it's a very easy to drink and pleasant scotch. I like having it around as my go to and just picked up a second bottle today. After drinking this you won't accept anything less.

1st November 2014

I don't know i just expected something a touch more complex than this.
Distinctly average for a Glenmorangie 18 Yr old.

I actually wondered if the wrong whiskey was inside the bottle. Not a fan.

15th October 2014

I am reminded of the best creme brulee I ever had. And to me, the finish is a citrus explosion. Very good, and where I am located, this is a fairly inexpensive 18 year old. For those reasons, I give it a full 5 stars!

10th September 2014

This is an interesting one - not quite like most other scotches. It has that beautiful Glenmorangie nose and a supple taste, but the finish - there is no finish! I've never experienced such a thing before! You swallow it and immediately it disappears. Zero finish. Not saying that's a bad thing, just highly unexpected. Still a beautiful and enjoyable dram. However my money is on Nectar D'Or.

15th August 2014

Like drinking silk :-)

20th May 2014

5 star. A beautiful piece of whisky. Can't say much more. Try it out yourself.

18th March 2014

I just had this at a bar here in Shanghai and it's pretty impressive... It's smooth, sweet, deep and it doesn't have any bite at all. If one had the means, one could drink it like candy. It's drink you could easily enjoy over and over. Incidentally, as opposed to the reviewers, I didn't get much citrus - it seemed more creamy, with notes of caramel, than a citrus-tinged scotch...

21st November 2013

Amazing, just had this one. Beautiful and warm toffe, dried fruit and orange zest notes. A very christmass Whisky.

13th November 2013

I had a tasting of this without knowing the palate, and this was a big mistake. It's like BAM! CITRUS! and the citrus just doesn't go away. Citrus is not to my taste and I really felt like the finish was just too much citrus for way too long. The citrus completely covered anything else I could have appreciated in this malt. It reminded me a lot of "The Glenlivet Master Distiller's Reserve" of which I was also not a fan, but was much cheaper. Outside of the citrus though, you can tell that this is a very mature malt, so I wont rate it less than 6 points.

7th November 2013

To tell you the truth , I'm not a big whiskey drinker but i tasted this brand and it was a marvelous companion for my cohibas, the smooth taste and fruit aroma really complimented my cigar, it was a great experience
I strongly recommend it, if you are a cigar aficionado

29th October 2013

For my 50th birthday my wife gave me this whisky. As being a big fan of Nectar d'Or my hopes were high. And it is not disappointing! A really great whisky. Just one thing: I love the slight taste of coconut. But should this taste be in whisky??
Pim, Holland

30th September 2013

I suspect that this is one of those "mainstream" whiskies that is a "industrial" in its taste at release proof, but could be a very good whisky at 50% or even cask strength. I respect this sophistication that goes into this bottling too much to give it only 3 stars (6/10), but I do not feel that it has enough to merit more than 3 1/2.

18th April 2013

had some for the first time last night. it was great! wish i could afford it all the time!

19th February 2013

Here's my rating

9th February 2013

The big golden presentation box is very nice and the bottle is beautiful (IMO Glenmorangie expressions come in the best looking bottles) but I was more interested in the liquid of course. Wow, superb sherried-whiskey, not a sherry monster but for me thats better, I like some balance in the whisky. An assortment of dried fruit and nut flavours and aromas with the hints of sherry influence, very easy going down. I've tried the Nectar D'or, Lasanta, Quinta Ruban, Sherry Wood Finish, the superb Artein and now this, which might be my fave Glenmorangie. 5 stars, the current bottle won't last so I'll be getting a couple more for backups.

9th February 2013

This dram is one of my favourites; whilst not quite up to the standard of some slightly older malts this whisky is still one of the most complex out there - it is strange but look for the moldy orange which descends into a more robust walnut citrus flavour. I agree with “Well” the review above in that the nose is more complex than the palate but those suggestive notes in the nose come through in the finish and is truly rewarding - it could benefit from a higher strength, but it is a truly great malt and you should pick at least one bottle up. Maybe with a couple of extra years the difference between this and the less developed 12 yr olds would be more profound. Overall though great.

30th December 2012

This costs just over twice as much as Glenmorangie's excellent Lasanta. Both are sherry finished, Lasanta is 12 years old. I tried both side by side in a blind tasting with a friend, and while they don't taste exactly the same, they are very very similar and in my opinion equally good.

28th August 2012

I was looking forward to taste this one, having had several Glenmorangies before. I found it a bit disappointing, since it tasted like a complexer version of Grandmarnier or something along a citrus version of it. It is certainly nicely balanced and delicate, but not convincing to me.

31st July 2012

If your looking for a smooth scotch with a great finish...try this!

16th December 2011

I had the pleasure of trying some for the first time when I was in London and I didnt have to think twice I had to bring a bottle back to the states with me. Its now part of my top 3.
Try it you will like it.

2nd May 2011

I had the pleasure of trying some for the first time when I was in London and I didnt have to think twice I had to bring a bottle back to the states with me. Its now part of my top 3.
Try it you will like it.

2nd May 2011

Very sorry to hear that but if you put those two bottles on ebay , I'll gladly take them off you for 20 quid a pop?

27th February 2011

I would really like to like this stuff as I had 3 bottles. Only two remain and I have still not fallen in love with this stuff. The nose is by far the best thing, it hints to so many possibilities and yet once you taste it you left wondering where is the taste to match the smell. Simply put it isn't there. A good Dram but not a great one. Now how do I get rid of the last 2 bottles I have.

14th November 2010