The Glenlivet 18 Year Old Single Malt (750 ml)

Name: The Glenlivet 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 750 ml (as listed on retailers) 

Type / Category: Single-malt Scotch whisky (Speyside, Scotland) 

Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 40% (some bottlings show 43%) depending on batch. 

Origin / Distillery: Produced by The Glenlivet distillery in Speyside, Scotland. 

Maturation / Cask Info: Aged 18 years in a combination of American oak (first- and second-fill) and ex-sherry (European oak) casks — the mix of casks gives its balance of fruit, spice, and oak complexity.

Tasting Profile & Characteristics

Appearance

• Deep golden-amber / old-gold color, sometimes described as golden with apricot highlights.

  Aroma (Nose)

• Rich fruit aromas: orchard fruits (apple, pear), ripe orchard-fruit sweetness, sometimes hints of plum or dried fruit. 

• Additional layers: sweet toffee or butterscotch, subtle vanilla, light oak/spice, and occasional cocoa or dark-chocolate undertones depending on tasting notes.

Palate (Taste / Mouthfeel)

• Smooth and velvety with a medium-to-full body. 

• Flavors: cooked or baked fruit (apple, pear), dried fruit / raisins, gentle citrus or orange-peel notes, toffee / caramel / butterscotch sweetness, subtle spice (cinnamon, nutmeg or baking-spice tones in some expressions), and a soft oak backbone.

Finish

• Long, rich, with lingering oak and spice, sometimes drying to gentle woodiness or subtle dryness — a balanced and elegant finish rather than aggressive. 

Usage / Recommendations

• Best enjoyed neat (in a tulip or Glencairn-style whisky glass) — age and cask complexity shine through when undiluted or with minimal dilution.

• Works well with a splash of water — a few drops help open up more delicate aromas (fruit, vanilla, spice) and soften oak/spice.

• Also suitable on the rocks or slightly chilled — for a smoother, more mellow presentation.

• For more casual use: can be used in simple whisky-based cocktails, though its age and complexity make it especially valued for sipping and slow tasting.

• Makes an excellent gift or premium offer for clients or customers — given its 18-year age statement, refined profile, and broad recognition among Scotch drinkers.

Notes / History

• The whisky uses a Coffey still (a continuous still invented in 1830) — a distinguishing method that gives this grain whisky its creamy texture and character. 

• First released in 2012 as a stand-alone bottling by Nikka (whereas many grain whiskies are used only for blending).