The Glenlivet 18 Year Old

Distillery Background and History

The Glenlivet distillery is located in Speyside, near Ballindalloch in Moray, Scotland. It was founded in 1824 by George Smith and is one of the pioneering legally licensed distilleries of its time. Over two centuries, The Glenlivet has evolved into a benchmark of Speyside single malts, offering a signature style of elegance, fruit, and refined oak influence under the ownership of Pernod Ricard / Chivas Brothers. 

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

The Glenlivet’s production team emphasizes a delicate balance between fruit-forward character and oak maturity. For the 18-year expression, the philosophy leans toward deepening complexity through careful cask selection, extended aging, and blending of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks to enrich the spirit without overwhelming its Speyside identity. 

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

This whisky is made from malted barley, utilizing local yeast strains and pure water drawn from the distillery’s springs, notably “Josie’s Well” among others. The clarity and mineral nature of the water help preserve the whisky’s subtle fruit and oak interplay. 

Distillation Process

The Glenlivet uses traditional copper pot stills in a double distillation regime, with wash and spirit stills sized and shaped to promote reflux and lightness. Their still design (tall necks) is part of how the distillate retains aromatic and delicate fruit character. 

Maturation & Cask Information

The Glenlivet 18 is matured in a combination of first and second fill American oak and ex-sherry casks. This blend of cask types allows it to develop depth from sherry influence while retaining brighter fruit tones from the American oak. 

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich and elegant, with aromas of orchard fruits (apple, apricot), citrus peel, toffee, and subtle oak spice. 

Palate: Smooth and full, carrying candied fruit, honey, gentle malt, oak spice, dark chocolate, and herbal notes. 

Finish: Long, warm, with lingering oak spiciness, dried fruit, and a touch of bitterness. 

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairs well with roast lamb, aged roast pork, pâté, dark chocolate desserts, mature hard cheeses (Comté, aged Gouda), dried figs or nuts, and dishes with spice or sweet glaze elements.

Service Methods and Ideal Glassware

Serve neat or with a drop of water to open the aromatics. Use a Glencairn or tulip whisky glass to focus the bouquet. Ideal drinking temperature is around 16-18 °C.

Storage and Aging Potential

Once bottled, it is stable and not intended for further aging. Store in a cool, dark, stable environment (~15-20 °C) upright. After opening, consume within 1–2 years to retain freshness.

Grain Type & Mash Bill (if applicable)

Single Malt (100 % malted barley)

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

40 % WSSWSSSS