Glenfiddich 18 Year Old

Like the 12 Year Old, the 18 is a mix of bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. However, after maturing for at least 18 years, it is then married together in small batches for at least another three months. This bottle comes from batch 3007. Thank you to Casey Reid for this sample.

The colour is a deep bronze. This time, we have apples on the nose rather than pears, baked with cinnamon. Still quite fruity and crisp. Seems to be more sherry influence here. A little musty, with that old leather armchair note. Rich and satisfying. A hint of smoke, perhaps? A drop of water brightens things up a little.

On the palate, rich creme caramel with more oak - but is somehow a little flat. Dark fruits with deep vanilla. Tobacco. Delicious but I expected a little bit more liveliness. Ah, but a drop of water makes a difference - creamier and a little spicier.

The finish is lovely - more baked apples, prickly spices and lingering malt. This is quite a step up from the 12 - richer, deeper and more complex. But there is a dull caramel around the edges that creeps in, though I wonder if that is because the bottle has been open for quite a long time? I did a full Glenfiddich vertical when I visited the distillery two years ago (my favourites being the 15 and the 30). Though I prefer the 15, the 18 does take things to another level from the 12.

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