Glenfiddich 18 Year Old

Distillery Background and History

Founded in 1886 by William Grant in Dufftown, Speyside, Glenfiddich is a family-owned distillery under William Grant & Sons. It pioneered the global single malt market in the 1960s and remains the world’s best-selling single malt. The distillery draws Robbie Dhu spring water, uses 43 bespoke copper pot stills, and retains in-house coppersmith and cooperage teams. Core age-stated offerings include the 12, 15, 18, and 21-year expressions—all celebrated for consistency and tradition  .

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Glenfiddich emphasizes handmade craftsmanship, slow distillation, and marrying matured casks in small batches. The 18-year-old is produced in batches of no more than 150 selected barrels married to ensure depth without losing house elegance  .

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

Made from 100% malted barley—partly sourced locally and influenced by estate proximity—with fermentation using traditional yeast and pure Robbie Dhu spring water, creating a hallmark Speyside profile  .

Distillation Process

Crafted in copper pot stills—16 wash and 27 spirit stills—through small-batch distillation. Light, unpeated, and fruit-forward, preserving clean Speyside character  .

Maturation & Cask Information

Aged 18 years in Spanish Oloroso sherry and American oak ex-bourbon casks. The casks are married in small batches for several months, imparting refined complexity and balance  .

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich aromas of baked apple, orchard fruit, robust oak, cinnamon, caramel, and subtle spice 

Palate: Luxurious dried fruit, candy peel, spiced nuts, ginger, and baked fruit with oak spice, tea-leaf depth, and cigar box undertones 

Finish: Warming, distinguished, and rewarding—with lingering oak, dried fruit, spice, and nutty sweetness 

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with fruit-based pastries (apple, pear, spice), marzipan or almond desserts, mild aged cheeses, honey-glazed nuts, and smoked meats like salmon or duck.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Best served neat or with a few drops of water in a Glencairn or tulip glass at 15–18 °C. Gentle swirling helps release subtle aroma layers. Avoid ice to preserve texture and balance.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store upright in a cool, dark place. As a fully matured 18-year whisky, further bottle aging adds minimal new character. Best enjoyed within a few years after opening for optimal richness and aroma.

Grain Type & Mash Bill (if applicable)

Single malt Scotch whisky—100% malted barley, matured in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

43% ABV