The Glenlivet 18 years

Score: 64

Glenlivet 18 at 40% ABV came fourth in the club tasting, and honestly, that felt like a courtesy nod more than earned merit. It’s a dram that whispers where it should sing, technically smooth, yes, but lacking the depth and charisma that once made this bottle a standout. Compared to the older 43% bottling, it’s a shadow of its former self. The previous version had grip, spice, and a finish that lingered like good gossip at the end of a tasting night. This newer iteration, by contrast, feels diluted—not just in strength, but in spirit. It’s the kind of whisky that might impress a casual sipper but leaves seasoned palates shrugging. In a lineup of bolder, more expressive drams, Glenlivet 18 was the polite guest who didn’t offend but didn’t inspire either. The club consensus was clear: it’s fine, but forgettable, and when you’ve tasted the richness of the 43%, “fine” just doesn’t cut it.