The Glenlivet 18 Years
Eighteen years in first- and second-fill casks made from American and European oak. Complex, elegant and balanced, with a long finish: the range's after-dinner dram.
Four types of casks, eighteen years
The full flavor of The Glenlivet 18 Years comes from combining different types of casks: first-fill and second-fill casks made from both American and European oak. First fill means the cask is holding whisky for the first time and still imparts plenty of flavor; second fill is milder. European oak adds spice and complexity, while American oak contributes tropical fruit.
After eighteen years, the result is complex yet elegant and balanced. While the 12 Years is light and fruity, the 18 is full and rich, with dried fruit and orange and a long finish. It remains at 40% ABV, making it easy to drink without needing to add water.
In short
Full, rich, yet easy-drinking
Dried fruit
Ripe and dried fruit with orange, underpinned by the tropical notes of American oak.
Complex and elegant
Full and rich, yet balanced. The European oak brings spice and depth without making it heavy.
Long
A long, warm finish that gently fades into oak and fruit.
Flavor profile of The Glenlivet 18 Years neat. Fuller and richer than the 12 and 15 Years.
The after-dinner dram
The Glenlivet 18 Years is made for the end of the evening. Neat, unhurried, and with time to let it open up.
Neat after dinner
3 cl in a tulip-shaped tasting glass at room temperature. Smell it, wait a few minutes and smell it again: the dried fruit and orange become increasingly distinct.
Glass: tasting glass →With one drop of water
After the first sip, add one or two drops of cool water to the glass. The American oak then reveals more tropical fruit; at 40%, no more water is needed.
Tasting glasses →With a cheese board
3 cl neat in a heavy tumbler alongside aged Gouda or blue cheese. The cheese's richness makes the finish even rounder.
Tumblers →An 18 Years in a cocktail?
It can work, if you choose a recipe in which the whisky doesn't disappear. Stick to stirred classics with two or three ingredients.
Rusty Nail
Scotch with a small dash of Drambuie over ice. The whisky remains the star.
Rob Roy-style Manhattan
Scotch, sweet vermouth and bitters. With the 18 Years, deep and fruity.
Old Fashioned
Whisky, little sugar and bitters with an orange peel.
Whisky cocktails
All whisky cocktails in one place, from Penicillin to Hot Toddy.The right glass for The Glenlivet 18 Years
A tulip-shaped tasting glass is the best choice for this whisky. If you drink it with cheese, choose a heavy crystal tumbler.
More flavours from The Glenlivet
The Glenlivet
Where it began. On the brand page, you'll find everything about The Glenlivet: its origins, varieties and classic cocktails.
To The Glenlivet →
The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve
Orange, pear and caramel. Smooth, creamy and the ideal malt for a highball.
View The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve →
The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve
Rum casks add banana, toffee and tropical fruit. A summery malt for ginger ale and tiki drinks.
View The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve →
The Glenlivet 15 Years French Oak Reserve
Partly aged in Limousin oak. Spicier and creamier than the 12, with nuts and spices.
View The Glenlivet 15 Years French Oak Reserve →
The Glenlivet 21 Years
Sherry, cognac and port. Caramelized pear, raisins and warm spices for a special moment.
View The Glenlivet 21 Years →Everything about whisky: the types, the best-known brands and the cocktails.
Questions about The Glenlivet 18 Years
Can't find your question here? Read more on the page about The Glenlivet or browse our cocktail recipes.
Everything about The Glenlivet →