The Glenlivet 18 Year Old

I bought this, a few, short, weeks ago.
Read all the comments. Watched all the reviews on YouTube.
Poured my glass, waited a good 20 minutes, then tasted it.
All I got was very strong alcohol. Not pleasant at all.
Yes, adding water helped, but this was soooooo disappointing!
It will be a very long time before I return to Glenlivet 18 again.

23rd June 2019

Not bad, but I was expecting much more from it. I just drink a dram of aultmore12 and pour one from GL18 and realized it's not better. I was expecting more.

13th April 2019

Honey, spice, sherry, and a long pleasant oaky finish. A dram is my reward at the end of a busy week. I usually suggest Glenlivet 18 to friends who haven’t yet fallen in love with Scotch. It’s a very likable single malt, complex and aromatic.

30th March 2019

This is a go to scotch for any scotch veteran who comes home after a hard day at work and wants to enjoy a relaxing and dram. The nose is delish, flower petals, honey, cherries, sweet sherry. A sip and it begins to explode to a spicy, sweet leather and dried fruit taste and finishes long and delectable. I love my 18yo Highland Park, Talasker, Glendronach Revival, Lagavillin 16, ....so many , but as a value for a hundred if you can swing it, Glenlivet 18 is hard to beat as a treat

11th March 2019

Being a fan of Islay peated malts, this is a venture into the unknown for me. The smell is very sweet, resembling (with a stretch) a glass of sherry. But its pleasant and nice to just whiff. The taste is a surprise: much rougher then the younger Speysides Ive had. A bit of water helps but this is not a sweet malt: dry, with a bite, I personally can taste cherries but a lot of wood and spiciness. An interesting stop on my trip through single malts: for us “avid beginners” its entertaining to taste a Laphroaig 10 which is iodine, peat and sea on the nose but sweetness on the taste and the next day try The Glenlivet which is sweetness and friendliness on the nose followed by dryness on the mouth.

5th March 2019

Wow, I'm new to 18yo's and have tried Oban and Glenfiddich...now this. Of the three this one is the smoothest over ice with a splash of water. By far the easiest to drink. I would say this is a great one for someone buying their first $100 18. You could easily drink three or four glasses of this at a sitting and not feel overwhelmed by the fact that you're drinking hard liquor. The taste that stands out to me is toffee.

26th January 2019

love the 18 year old keep the tradition don't stop using sherry cask

22nd December 2018

I'm afraid this isn't for me. As i sip on it now i feel that it tastes sweet and slightly sour possibly from the apples with a contrast spiciness, wood and smoke with a hint of mint, but for me, personally, it doesn't work. It has a fairly pleasant aftertaste but the initial sip is awful.

Just need to add this in. I am NOT a scotch expert so my view is rudimentary but I'm sure most people aren't scotch experts either, so I'm addressing to the majority.

I feel little smoothness with this beverage and it doesn't go down quite as easily as I'd like

The aroma. It smells Like a strong, over powering cider and that's off putting.

For me, a good scotch is King Alexander III by Dalmore

Glenlivet 18 has a taste that needs to be acquired. Well, for me anyways. But the best things are an acquired taste.

It's a shame. i watched a review on this and it got and great review. I really wanted to like it but i think this should be reserved for veteran scotch drinkers.

As a juxtaposing review on KA III, my favourite got an alright rating not a "top 5" if you are fairly new to scotch like me and need your palate development, like me, then i do recommend KAIII. It's full and heavy but not overpowering. It's extremely smooth, like someone liquefied silk or velvet and made it taste warm and inviting. As for this whisky, buy it if you want, but I'd wait until your palate has been enriched with others.

All this aside I'm going to give it a 3. It's not undrinkable but my palate just rejects the taste and my nose rejects the smell.

14th November 2018

Had a couple of bottles over the years and absolutely love it

27th October 2018

Very good

16th August 2018

This one of the best Scotches I have had the pleasure of drinking. Loved it.

5th August 2018

I've been a big fan of the Glenlivet 18 for around 8 years, having enjoyed 5-6 bottles over a couple of years but last one was about 3 years ago. I've had this lingering dream of what it was like but having bought it now, I feel disappointed. Perhaps my taste has changed but the flavour I remember was more sweet and honey flavored, not this oak and burnt after taste. Is it me or is Glenlivet doing a Founders reserve special on this normally fantastic beverage? Seriously questioning myself...

16th July 2018

Never was a daily whisky drinker. I've found most whiskies harsh with a burn that made it very unpleasant. However, I find the 18 year though not "smooth" per se to be very drinkable to a novice like me. Will definitely continue to sip this very fine Scotch.

7th July 2018

Excellent scotch!

11th June 2018

I've never tasted better, I don't have hundreds to spend on a bottle, so I probably never will. I'll definitely have another bottle at some point.

3rd May 2018

The nose and taste are stupendous, with all the complexity and intensity one would expect from a top shelf scotch. The finish lingers for hours. The alcohol quality is far beyond the competition, providing a wonderfully pleasant and peppy buzz similar to drinking a few glasses of Dom Pérignon. I’ve never had even a hint of a hangover from any of the Glenlivet line. The 18 packs that extra 86 proof punch while still being just as smooth as the 15. The Glenlivet 18 is worth every cent of its $100+ price, though the 12 and 15 are better values overall. The 18 is a special occasion dram that will instantly punctuate a great achievement with an exclamation point! Cheers!

9th March 2018

It is a very good whisky. The nose is especially fantastic. Overall, though, I would say that the Glenlivet 15 is smoother and a nicer experience overall for about half the money.

6th March 2018

This is a great scotch one of the best I have ever tasted a true gem

4th March 2018

One of the best 18yo speyside single malt whisky.

3rd March 2018

john mac melb Australia love it done tour of glenlivet

26th January 2018

This is my very first bottle of single malt whisky. I used to drink blended whisky, the usual Jack Daniel No.7, Black lable, Chivas 12..... etc. Ever since, I've tried quite a few others. Such as the Glenfarclas 18, Glenfiddich 18, Glenlivet 15, Glenlivet Triple Cask, Macallan select oak, Macallan 12 fine oak, Aberfeldy 18, Glenmorangie 10, Balvenie 16, Balvenie 17, Highland Park.... Recently bought a bottle of Blue lable to try out.
But at the end of the day, I always find myself going back to the Glenlivet 18. It is just that wonderful. It is so balanced. It is sweet but not too sweet. The oakiness isn't over powering. Love the long lasting taste. This is without doubt my favourite whisky.

7th December 2017

I have ventured into the world of older whiskies lately. This was my first 18 year old purchase. The nose for me is sweet, fruity, apples and oranges along with honey and a hint of apricots. As an aside, my wife does not like strong liquor especially the smell, but when I got her to take a sniff she actually really liked it! Tasting did not go so well :-) Back to me.....on the palate it is sweet but not overly so...I get slight orange peel, caramel, honey and some nuttiness. There is a nice burst of flavours initially which stays throughout but never overpowering. The finish is gradual...smooth and buttery with no burn (not a fan of the burn which makes it even better). I know some feel this might lack character or is "bland" but I really enjoyed this one and think the bottle will disappear quickly. Sometimes I'm in the mood for some bite and/or strong aromas and other times feel like a relaxing easy to drink whisky that doesn't shock the senses. This one fits the bill perfectly for me.

29th October 2017

One of the best!

3rd October 2017

one of the best 18y single malt whisky.

18th August 2017

From the beginning taste to the after taste to the smoothness, this is consistently one of the best whiskey that I've had. I prefer this over the Blue Label. Blue label is a bit smoother but it lack the flavor profile that the Glenlivet 18 provides. This is one of my go to bottles! Drink it neat, that's the only way to go.

22nd June 2017

Good. Not great. A little thin and a little burn st the end for an 18 yr old. Dalwhinnie 15 for example is smoother with better flavor.

14th May 2017

Simply put...an exceptional single malt. Wonderful notes of cereal and a spot of honey. Smooth and soft on the palate. Long lingering finish. A very satisfying dram.
Well worth the price!

7th May 2017

Not for me, too spicy i prefer Glenfiddich 18

4th April 2017

Worth every penny! Great addition to your bar,

5th March 2017

Great drop, great value for money!!! Cant go wrong adding this to your bar.

23rd February 2017

Great value for money. But nowhere near the Royal Brackla 16.

17th January 2017

Save 20 $ and by The dalmore vintage 2004 and have A better whisky experiense

19th December 2016

This is a Scotch with no real flaws, and a lot of very strong positives. - A "classic" in every way - No flash, no gimmick, just an excellent product.

Think of it as very, very, very good vanilla ice cream... The triple fudge ripple rocky road toffee may sound sexier, but at the end of the day the simple excellence of the product more than makes up for lack of a gimmick.

An older Dalmore is a good match, and Mortlack from the old owners were in the same league, but among the stuff out there now, this is a very very good Scotch at what is, all told, a quite reasonable price. If you want to give a Scotch drinker a nice gift, this is a very safe choice.

7th December 2016

One of the smoothest and finest Scotch I have had the pleasure of sipping!

20th November 2016

Take a 12 year old, a 15 year old, a 18 year old, and a 21 year old, and stick them in the same classroom. The 12 year old is too nervous, too young, the 15 year is genius, but it is immature, the 18 year symbolises all you can hope for and all that has gone before. Finally the 21 year is outspoken, and one must suspect that it is pushing age over beauty. I love Glenlivet 18. It's a solid, good value 18 year whisky, that doesn't need to pretend, its just "Top of it's (price) Class". Congrats. Best Regards,

28th October 2016

I had the Glenlivet Master's Reserve which was rubbish. This is on the other hand one of the best I ever had. I got it for about 70 bucks for a liter bottle at the Seattle duty free. What a find! I will try to buy as many bottles as I can next time! I also had the 15 year, and thoug that is also delicious to an extent, I think 18 is where Glenlivet his it's stride.

7th October 2016

Harsh and bitter. Burns and leaves a hot aftertaste. It's my first and last bottle of Glenlivet.

2nd September 2016

Good

18th August 2016

I stayed away from this because I had a fiddich 18 and wasn't impressed. I cheated myself this is sooooo good from the nose to the finish, it's like an angel peeing on your tongue.

16th August 2016

Tried this a long time ago along with the 15 and Glenfiddich 15 and 18.Wasn't impressed by either because the Glenfiddich's just seemed so much better at the time but trying them again now actually quite surprised how good they are.All the pear/apple goodness you'd expect from the livet but with a smooth buttery oak backbone.This stuff is great glad I gave it a second chance although I still think glenfiddich 18 was better but I probably need to have that again too it has been awhile. Anyways great scotch smooth and flavorful definitely a bigger fan of Glenlivet now after this.Cheers! The sugarbear

3rd August 2016

While many speyside scotches are smooth, they are not always deep. This one has excellent taste for that genre. Would have given it a five star review it had highland tenses

15th July 2016

Delicious buttery speyside whisky, fairly oaky and ever so slightly smoky . The finest Glenlivet I have ever tried. I wonder as an ex pipeman how it would have tasted with a Sasieni. 4 dot pot of exmoor hunt seasoning the room. Beautiful. Simply beautiful.

13th June 2016

Just straight up pleasure in your mouth. I'm a fan.

3rd June 2016

Great whiskey

26th April 2016

Enjoyed a bottle of this at our weekly cigar sabbatical. Didn't last the night. Great taste and wonderful finish.

4th April 2016

Starts off sweet with a taste of apple and honey then quickly goes oaky with lots of sharpness. The contrast is so enthralling, a bottle never lasts more than 2 days around here.

27th March 2016

Fantastic flavour and feel to the pallet.

19th March 2016

One of the nicest Malts I've tasted.

4th March 2016

I love variation which is why the world of whisky is so exciting. I've got to say that this is one of my favourite. You can reach for this regardless of your mood and sit back and enjoy it. Just wonderful.

26th February 2016

A delicate and delicious mixture was enjoying . It is welcome at a hard day to enjoy this whiskey. fresh and a little stronger aftertaste notes. Ideal for those who enjoy drinks soul.

19th February 2016

I love the subtle apple notes and rich flavor, allow it to breath at least 5 minutes before enjoying.

3rd February 2016

From nose to finish, this is a good dram. It has delicate notes of Apple, Oak, and something sweet (sherry maybe?), and rarely have I had the pleasure of such a smooth whisky. But it lacks the complexity and depth to make the jump from being good to being great. While I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this, I feel that the Highland Park 18yo is a better choice in the same age and price range (Though it can be almost overpoweringly sweet at times, so I could see this as a drier alternative some days). I think that this is good enough that I'll probably be keeping a bottle of this in my cabinet from now on.

31st January 2016

It's bad if you take a sip right away, you need to let it sit for at least 10 minutes if not even longer to let the flavours really come out. Don't add water it's too delicate.

18th January 2016

Taste cheap unpleasant alkogol. Glenlivet 12 the best.

30th December 2015

Nothing special... expected more. My personal opinion is that better to buy Stratisla 12. It's cheaper and taste it's more fine. Enjoy:-)
Bulgaria, 27.12.2015

27th December 2015

Better than the 21, great balanced taste, exceptional value for money, first bottle only lasted 2 nights

26th December 2015

The 1st sip to wet my lips, that's all I needed, EXCELLENT job, some things are worth waiting for George & J.G. Smith. By far the best single malt I have had, :)

18th December 2015

It's very smooth in taste

9th December 2015

I just send over $800 on 7 bottles. What does that tell you.

30th November 2015

I am very selective with my scotch whiskey. i've tried Glenlivet 12, 15, and 21. 18 is what I prefer and I drink it without ice

26th November 2015

I am usually a Islay/Islands Scotch drinker - but this one surprised me. There is a slight sherry flavor to a wee bit of smoke. I found this at a pub and I am glad I tried it. Definitely one you have to try on your bucket list.

10th July 2015

I am very selective with my scotch whiskey. i've tried Glenlivet 12, 15, and 21. 18 is what I prefer and I drink it without ice. it's really what you prefer. I do not care for any of the Johnny Walker's or Glenfidich. I do enjoy Chivas 12 and Chivas 18. but overall I give Glenlivet 18 a perfect 10.

20th June 2015

Compared to the 21 archive I like the 18 much more. More spices and better nose (sweet). Better price and much more accessible.

16th June 2015

I am usually an Islay and Islands scotch drinker, but found this to be a very good dram. I wasn't expecting to like it since I have never liked any Glenlivits in the past. I was pleasantly surprised after giving this one a try.

6th June 2015

I have found over several tastings that the 12 & 15 yr. expressions are more complex with fruit flavors than the 18. I find the 18 flat or one-dimensional. Age isn't everything. A disappointing dram.

16th May 2015

I find that age isn't everything. Actually I find the 12 & 15 yr expressions more complex with fruit flavors. I find the 18 yr boring, perhaps flat.

15th May 2015

Its a nice mix of flavors. Quite a bit better that the 12 and 15. Soft honey, vanilla and a fruit that I haven't completely identified…something with a citrus taste.

28th April 2015

Nice and viscous, as a lover of young islay I did not expect to like this as much as I do. Surprisingly excellent.

24th April 2015

This is a fantastic whisky. Very smooth and mellow with a light smokiness. Lingers on the palette beautifully.

13th April 2015

I just tried a glass of Glenlivet 18 year old Scotch from a new bottle that I had received as a Christmas gift.
What a disappointment, instead of "smooth and wonderfully balanced"
it was harsh and barely palatable, more like Cutty Sark than a quality Scotch.

8th April 2015

I first tried this whisky in 2014. I am happy to admit my initial review sold this drink short. It is an exceptional dram. My son just brought me a bottle through duty free. It lasted 5 nights. Absolutely wonderfully dram well rounded, full with a wonderful lingering aftertaste. I have over 90 bottles of single malt in my shed. Glenlivet 18 yo is my No 1 at the moment

23rd March 2015

I drink this neat and I love it. if there's a better tasting scotch, I haven't tasted it.

8th February 2015

a very smooth flavorful scotch with a mellow finish!

31st January 2015

Before Glenfiddich 15 years was my favourite, but this bottle just pushed it up a knot.

31st December 2014

Great whisky for the money! Fresh nose, cereals and citrus. Honey and dark chocolate, with orange peel. Taste stays with you for quite a while. So smooth!

15th December 2014

This one is better than Glenfiddich18! Definitely will buy again!

12th December 2014

Very good, unique taste. I like the bit of smoke and the light fruitiness. This is my go to favorite. I have a bottle of the 21 archive I am opening Christmas eve, I cant wait.

8th December 2014

I've been drinking Single Malts for many years.
MCCALLUM 10 yr has been my favourite, however, I recently tried Argbah, 18 year and loved the smokey,peat flavour. The Glenlivet 18 yr was a gift from my son, who has expensive and quality taste in all things. This is a very enjoyably scotch , fruity, smooth and leaves a fresh, clean taste. Definitely worth a try. Will buy another.
Newfoundland, Canada.
October, 2014

24th October 2014

When I was in college back in 2001-2005, I started exploring the Scotch world, and was quickly pointed in the direction of this bottle. From the first sip until today, I've always loved this one. From the nose to the rich finish, it's simply delicious, and it's hard to find much fault here. I used to be able to get it for around $69, and at that price, it's highway robbery! But these days, it's at least $100 down here in South Florida. Still worth every penny!

20th October 2014

I turned 21 in August and have been drinking only the Glenlivet's scotch since legal at 21 years of age in the USA. I have been working my way up the years, enjoyed the 15 the best until this one (I have tried the 12, 15, and 16 Nadurra thus far). The Chaps at Master of Malt review was spot on, I went to my extended spice cabinet to smell my sugar free barley flour and (then mixed it with spearmint) before nosing the scotch, your have a great nose my friend! The orange, apple, and smoke I could smell from the start but the undertone noses (I was lacking smell experience until I tested it with my spices). The oak is a familiar smell but I was not able to pinpoint it until reading this review. The pallet of fennel was a great surprise upon sniffing my spice of fennel (which I use in most of my chicken or pork cooking). Honey and bitters of oak was an obvious finish I have had and love with all Glenvliet's scotches. I am appreciating the longer finish with this scotch considering this being my most aged scotch tasted. It is even longer than the higher ABV 16 year Nadurra that I am finishing the bottle of currently. I love reading reviews as I drink a dram because it allows me to nose, palette, and finish even more than normal. I hope you read this "Chaps at Master of Malt" because you deceive much credit for your wisdom in scotches. I am so enjoying my 200ml bottle taster sample of the 18 that I will soon be purchasing the 750ml bottle in less than a month.

Cheers to your drams,

Brandon Niblett

16th October 2014

after trying tons of single malts finding this beauty for 49.99 was especially rewarding.

1st September 2014

One of the best whiskys I have tried going to buy my second bottle now

20th July 2014

Far better than the other speysides I've tried. Glenfiddich and Balvenie are too cardboardy, Macallan is too sherry-y. I can't say I *love* this (prefer a bit stronger malt (glen grant, old pulteney) or peat (islay) flavor), but for a reasonably-available speyside, this one's got just a touch of sherry sweetness and very little of the cardboardy taste I've found elsewhere. Feels more classy than the tasteless obans and scapas. I guess to summarize this is the best happy medium if you want a touch of that sherry "luxury" and don't like drinking cardboard.

9th July 2014

orange and sherry nose. honey, oak and tannins on the palate. oaky smooth finish. my favorite so far

9th April 2014

Absolutely love this stuff. I hosted a tasting recently and most liked this by far the best. Very smooth.

24th February 2014

best among all d brands i had so far....

19th February 2014

Very smooth and citrusy and I taste oranges. Excellent.

31st January 2014

this is a good dram but I have been trying many in the last few months this one doesn't quite do it for me whilst it is a good drink with beautiful tastes it is not remarkable I am stuck at the moment on Glenfarclas 17 yo

29th January 2014

This Classic 18 years Speyside Dram with a nose of green apples, sultry sherry & a fine wood finish pairs perfectly with our 4 fermentations Robusto with plenty of smoke, but that brings out the high content cacao flavour, roasted coffee, toasted dark nuts & also a long & fine wood finish.
Enjoy!

18th January 2014

Got a sample bottle of this in a gift set, and was not impressed. Flat on taste and finish.

8th December 2013

That's the best whisky I've ever tasted in my life there's nothing I would ever compare with uhm! What a nice Whisky I must say

5th December 2013

I can drink this like water - it is so freaking good. I used to put Ice in Scotch and now I would horrified if anything molested this beautiful booze

27th November 2013

I can't comment on the notes too much because I've recently poured the 12 yo after it. Not completely sweet, a bit sour/tangy citrus, dried fruits, marzipan, biscuit buttery, leather, winter spices, then the peat smoke is light and stays on the palate. A much nicer whisky than I had anticipated, complex wise, thanks to the Euro casks. Would be wonderful in port or sherry, to open up the fruitier notes, or perhaps use more peat to pull out more smoke and astringent flavors. Next time I'll try with a wee bit of h2o.

19th October 2013

Scent of banana and caramel with cinnamon. Creamy flavors of lemon and tropical fruit. So smooth that it suffers a little in complexity.

4th August 2013

This is truly great Whisky! Smooth as silk and well rounded

31st July 2013

Similar to a cats scrotum on a hot day....tremendous !

18th July 2013

used to be around $60 but ive been seeing the price go up to about 90+

2nd July 2013

Beautiful and strong aroma, amazing flavour and extremely smooth. Will be buying this one again :-)

13th May 2013

I've only been drinking scotch in a serious manner in the last few years, and I have been sampling many brands and years to find exactly what I like. Before, I had set on Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or as what I keep in my cabinet, but after trying the Glenlivet 18, I haven't bought another bottle since. Very smooth and great finish. Goes absolutely great with a cigar or pipe, if that is your thing (I smoke a pipe on occasion). Would recommend to anyone I know who likes scotch or even the newbie who should try good scotch without being turned off to it by drinking bad! = )

20th April 2013

It is by far my favourite scotch whisky but I can't believe how cheap it is in America. I am from Australia and here it costs 105 dollars a bottle and when I saw the price of 59 dollars here I was shocked.

8th February 2013

Smoothest scotch ever tasted..

23rd January 2013

So far this one is my favorite

17th December 2012

This is truly great Whisky! Smooth as silk and well rounded

26th November 2012

This is the best whisky on the market in my book. Smooth as silk with awesome flavor. I have a hard time keeping it in my cabinet because it seems to "disappear" quickly. I nearyly choked my brother-in law when I found he'd poured himself a large "bucket" of Scotch & Soda using my last bottle of 18 year old....bottle is now hidden in the closet!

1st November 2012

Not only is this a truly excellent whisky, but it's pretty damned cheap too...

2nd September 2012

Absolute Liquid Gold.... Highly recommended to any scotch drinker out there. if you dont like this then your way too hard to please. =P

21st August 2012

this is as smooth as it gets, no hangover, well priced...if you want to party like a rock star and keep going.....this is it...

28th July 2012

better than blue labe

28th July 2012

I dont know if my bottling was bad or if this one just isn't for me.. Reminds me very much of the Glenfiddich Rich oak but much sharper oak/fruit in the nose and taste.. Don't find it pleasant at all :( Love the Glenfiddich 14yo rich oak doe

22nd July 2012

I enjoyed the flavour. The best whiskey i have tested so far

18th July 2012

Given that I'm a fan of the Glenlivet, I was really looking forward to this, but I was somewhat disappointed. It's by no means bad, just a bit one-dimensional. Sweet, with lots of apple flavours on the nose and palate, but to be perfectly honest I prefer the 12 and its greater vibrancy.

22nd June 2012

This is the best whisky i ever had, its worth every penny. I enjoy this on sundays as well. no hangover at all.

27th May 2012

Noble flowery-lacquer aroma, moderate spirit with malty and - a little bit - fruity notes, restrained aftertaste with a soft wood. Delicate enough and calming.

7th May 2012

Good smell aromatic and smoothness in drinking till 2pegs after that no hangover

14th April 2012

Best single malt out there

4th December 2011

amazing to drink this whiskey....
its a pleasure

13th November 2011

Love it,great long honey taste,wonderful fudge and vanilla smells.extremely enjoyable whisky

17th August 2011

Tried this after knowing the 12yo. It is a beauty indeed, balanced and aromatic. Worths every penny.

2nd November 2010