Glenfiddich 18 Year Old – Small Batch Reserve Review

A miniature of the Glenfiddich 18 Year
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Contents

Glenfiddich is a huge brand in scotch whisky and will have graced most peoples collections at some time. I myself experienced the 12 year as my introduction to single malts and I first tried this when I was 18 and was given a bottle for my birthday. I remember enjoying it then but what about now?

Have a read of my review of the Glenfiddich 18 Small Batch Reserve to find out!

About the Distillery

The Glenfiddich distillery was established by William Grant in the year 1886 in Dufftown, Scotland. Located in the glen of the River Fiddich, the name “Glenfiddich” translates as “valley of the deer” and explains why the company logo is a stag.

Glenfiddich single malt is made using water from the Ribbie Dhu spring and is recognised as being the World’s best-selling single malt whiskey, as well as being the most awarded at the International Spirits Challenge.

During the 1920s, when the prohibition era was at its peak in the United States, the Glenfiddich distillery was one of the very few that managed to actually increase production. Some years later, in the 1950s, the distilleries infrastructure was expanded to include coppersmiths to look after the copper stills and a cooperage that is today one of the few remaining in the Scottish distillery community. The iconic triangular bottle design was introduced in 1956.

Whisky Details

On the Box

“Carefully matured for 18 years in the finest Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks built by our own expert coopers. These casks are then nurtured in small batches for a further three months, for a remarkably deep, rich and complex flavour.”

Distiller: The Glenfiddich Distillery

Region: Speyside

ABV: 40%

Proof: 80

Age: 18 years

Website: https://www.glenfiddich.com/uk/collection/core-range/18-year-old/

Tasting Notes

Nose

Earthy and foresty with lots of dried fruits, figs, fresh walnuts and a touch of black pepper.

Taste

Sweet apricots and a slight bourbon-like caramel taste. Apples with some spicy rye, sweet sherry, honey, white chocolate and grapes.

Finish

Dried apple skin, oak, digestive biscuits and spices.

Summary

I really like this. We reviewed this the 12 year and the 15 year all at the same time and I like this the best, my girlfriend preferred the 15. They are all great whiskies though and the good thing about the Glenfiddich range is that the price does not jump enormously as you move up the years from 12 to 18 like it does for some other whisky brands.

This is a really easy to drink and fruity whisky, it is a slightly dryer fruitiness compared to the fresher taste of the 12 but it also has a sweetness and spiciness to it that, all added together, make for a lovely drop.

One criticism would be that I would prefer it to be bottled at a higher proof to emphasise some of those amazing flavours. For me, 40% ABV is too low for any whisky and even if they just matched the 43% of the Balvenie 17 it could make a big difference.

Indulge yourself with more reviews of scotch whisky here: https://whiskeybon.com/scotch/

Have a read of my Glenfiddich 12 review and Glenfiddich 15 review.

Glenfiddich 18 Rating
Nose
85
Taste
88
Finish
87
Character
86
87