Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 06:32 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 Glen Grant 18 and Glenlivet 18 in this detailed comparison, enabling you to decide which Single Malt best aligns with your tastes!
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
Glen Grant 18 vs Glenlivet 18: Comparison
Glen Grant 18: Honey and ripe fruit lead, with a smooth, oily palate of fruit, spice, and caramel. Medium finish with pear and oak spice. An accessible and award-winning dram.
Glenlivet 18: Features ripe fruit and caramel, with a palate of orange and vanilla, and a long finish of oak and dried fruit. Smooth, sophisticated, and easy to enjoy.
Verdict: Glen Grant 18 and Glenlivet 18 both offer smooth, sophisticated experiences with their own unique character. Glen Grant leans towards an easygoing profile, while Glenlivet presents a complex flavor. Ideal for those seeking high-quality, mature whiskies, states Scotch expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top-Rated 18-Year-Old Single Malts
Glen Grant 18: A Smooth and Easygoing Single Malt
- Nose: Honey, caramel, floral, ripe fruit
- Palate: Floral, fruit, spice, caramel, oak
- Finish: Medium, pear, caramel, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Glenfiddich 18
Glen Grant 18 is an 18-year-old Speyside single malt Scotch whisky renowned for its smoothness and accessibility. Matured in traditional oak casks, it offers a light and easy-drinking character, perfect for those seeking a pleasant and unchallenging whisky experience.
Aromatic Notes:
- Dominant: Honey
- Subtle: Apple, pear, caramel, floral notes
Oily and Smooth:
The palate features a luxuriously oily texture and a smooth mouthfeel. Flavors of apple, pear, and caramel take center stage, complemented by hints of black pepper, ginger, and subtle oak.
Lingering Finish:
The decently long finish leaves lingering notes of pear, caramel, and a touch of oak spice.
Effortless Enjoyment:
Glen Grant 18 delivers a simple and enjoyable dram without any harsh or overwhelming notes. Its smoothness and light character make it a great choice for those new to single malt Scotch whiskies or those seeking a relaxing and easygoing sipping experience.
Award-Winning:
Interestingly, Glen Grant 18 was named Scotch Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray’s 2017 Whisky Bible, highlighting its approachable and crowd-pleasing profile.
Glen Grant 18: The Facts
- Aged 18 years in traditional oak casks.
- Known for its smoothness and easy-drinking character, making it a popular choice for new whisky drinkers.
- Awarded Scotch Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray’s 2017 Whisky Bible.
- Part of the Glen Grant brand, founded in 1840 and currently owned by the Campari Group.
Glenlivet 18: Smooth and Sophisticated
- Nose: Ripe fruit, apricot, caramel
- Palate: Orange, vanilla, baking spice
- Finish: Long, oak, dried fruit, cinnamon
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Oban 18
Glenlivet 18 is an 18-year-old Speyside single malt Scotch whisky renowned for its exceptional smoothness and approachable character. Aged in a combination of American and European oak casks, it presents a well-rounded flavor profile that is both sophisticated and easy to enjoy.
Aromatic Profile:
- Sweet and fruity: Apricot, caramel
Smooth and Gentle:
The palate lives up to the Glenlivet reputation, offering a silky smooth texture with flavors of sweet orange and vanilla. Subtle spices emerge gradually, adding complexity.
Lingering and Warming:
The dry finish lingers pleasantly with notes of oak, dried fruit, and cinnamon, accompanied by a warming sensation.
Effortlessly Enjoyable:
While not the most complex expression, Glenlivet 18 delivers a consistently pleasant experience from start to finish. Its smoothness and lack of strong peat or smoke make it an ideal choice for those who prefer a milder and easy-drinking whisky.
Enjoy It Neat:
Due to its well-balanced profile, Glenlivet 18 is best enjoyed neat, allowing its natural flavors to shine through without dilution.
Glenlivet 18: The Facts
- Aged 18 years in a combination of American and European oak casks.
- Known for its exceptional smoothness and approachable character, making it a popular choice for new single malt drinkers.
- Part of the prestigious Glenlivet brand, founded in 1824 and owned by Pernod Ricard.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Glen Grant 18 | $140 |
| Glenlivet 18 | $150 |