Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 06:26 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore the distinctions between Glengoyne 15 and Glengoyne 18 in this comprehensive analysis, and determine which Single Malt is more aligned with your preferences.
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Glengoyne 15 vs Glengoyne 18: Comparison
Glengoyne 15: Presents a friendly aroma of Cheerios, vanilla, and caramel, leading to a palate of oak, sherry, and nuts, with a medium finish of caramel and oak spice. An inviting choice for those favoring light and unpeated whiskies.
Glengoyne 18: Unfolds with aromas of ripe fruit and vanilla, transitioning to flavors of dark fruits and orange zest, and concluding with a long, fruity, and spiced oak finish. Distinguished by its lively and balanced profile, suitable for those seeking depth without overwhelming peat.
Verdict: Both Glengoyne 15 and Glengoyne 18 showcase the distillery’s mastery in creating unpeated, smooth single malts with distinct character. The 15-year-old is approachable and solid for everyday enjoyment, while the 18-year-old offers a complex and rich experience, making both valuable additions to any whisky collection, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Glengoyne’s Best Whiskies
Glengoyne 15: A Light and Unpeated Single Malt Whisky
- Nose: Cheerios, vanilla, caramel, oak
- Palate: Oak, sherry, roasted nuts, caramel, lemon peel
- Finish: Medium, caramel, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Glengoyne 12
Familiar and Welcoming Nose:
Glengoyne 15 opens with an aroma reminiscent of Cheerios, alongside gentle hints of vanilla, caramel, and subtle oak. This creates a welcoming and approachable first impression.
Surprisingly Dense Texture:
Despite its 43% alcohol content, the whisky boasts a surprisingly dense and rich texture on the palate, exceeding initial expectations.
Subtle Oak and Sherry Flavors:
The initial oak influence gradually gives way to notes of subdued sherry, roasted nuts, caramel, and a refreshing touch of lemon peel. These flavors offer a pleasant, if somewhat understated, taste experience.
Warm and Edgy Finish:
The finish is moderate in length, showcasing lingering caramel sweetness, oak spice, and a slight warming sensation that reminds you it’s a genuine Scotch whisky.
A Decent Choice for Unpeated Whisky Enthusiasts:
While not the most complex or captivating single malt, Glengoyne 15 delivers a pleasant and inoffensive drinking experience. Its attractive price point for a 15-year-old Scotch, particularly for those who prefer unpeated whiskies, makes it a solid choice for everyday enjoyment.
Additional Notes:
- This expression, like all Glengoyne whiskies, is completely free of peat, thanks to the unique air-drying process used for the barley.
- The whisky is also unfiltered and free of artificial coloring, offering a natural taste experience.
- Notably, Glengoyne 15 earned a Gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, further solidifying its quality and value.
Glengoyne 18: A Fruity and Balanced Single Malt Whisky
- Nose: Ripe fruit, vanilla, honey, raisins, sherry
- Palate: Dark fruits, oak, orange zest, ripe fruit
- Finish: Long, ripe fruit, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Macallan 18
Aromatic Delights:
Glengoyne 18 opens with a pleasant aroma filled with ripe fruits like apple, banana, and orange. Sweet notes of vanilla, honey, and raisins join the party, along with a subtle hint of sherry.
Luxurious Mouthfeel:
The first sip reveals a delightful texture – both thick and smooth, creating a satisfying mouthfeel.
A Flavorful Journey:
The taste unfolds with a delicious combination of dark fruits, orange peel, apple, and banana. These flavors dance on the tongue, offering a balanced sweetness and complexity.
Long-Lasting Impression:
The finish is extended and well-balanced, leaving a pleasant warmth and subtle spice that lingers without being overpowering.
Standing Out from the Crowd:
Glengoyne 18 boasts a lively taste that sets it apart from other 18-year-old whiskies. It offers a slightly bolder character, with a hint of bite that steers away from excessive sweetness or smoothness. This might appeal to those who enjoy a more traditional whisky profile.
Additional Notes:
- Glengoyne 18 matures in a combination of first-fill and re-fill sherry casks, contributing to its unique flavor profile.
- It’s free of artificial coloring and remains unfiltered for an authentic taste experience.
- The whisky is also vegan certified, making it suitable for a wider range of consumers.
Overall, Glengoyne 18 delivers a satisfying sipping experience at a reasonable price point, making it a great choice for whisky enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Glengoyne 15 | $80 |
| Glengoyne 18 | $160 |