GlenDronach 18 vs Glenmorangie 18

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:41 am

Discover the differences between GlenDronach 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Single Malt is better for You!

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

GlenDronach 18 vs Glenmorangie 18: Comparison

GlenDronach 18 Allardice: Showcases a rich sherry profile with notes of caramel, almond, and dark chocolate. Offers a full-bodied, smooth experience with a lasting finish. Highly valued for its depth and quality.

Glenmorangie 18 Years Old: Features a smooth, fruity character with stone fruits, figs, and honey on a velvety palate. Noted for its unique maturation process and long, pleasant finish. A luxurious, approachable choice.

Verdict: GlenDronach 18 Allardice and Glenmorangie 18 Years Old excel in their respective styles. GlenDronach is celebrated for its deep sherry influence and complexity, while Glenmorangie is praised for its smooth, fruity elegance. Each represents the high craftsmanship of Scotch whisky, offering distinctive and rewarding experiences for whisky lovers, states Scotch expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Premium Single Malts aged for 18 years

GlenDronach 18 Allardice: A Sherry-Cask Champion with Excellent Value

• Similar to: Glengoyne 18

The GlenDronach 18 Year Old Allardice is a sherry-matured single malt Scotch whisky that has earned a reputation for its well-rounded flavor profile, smooth character, and exceptional value.

Aromatic Profile:

• Dominant sherry notes: The nose is filled with rich sherry aromas, complemented by subtle hints of caramel and almond.

Tasting Experience:

• Reflects the nose: The taste mirrors the sherry influence from the nose, with an additional touch of orange zest and a pleasant hint of dark chocolate bitterness.
• Full-bodied and smooth: Despite a slightly higher alcohol content (46% ABV), the GlenDronach 18 integrates this seamlessly, resulting in a full-bodied, flavorful, and smooth drinking experience.
• Lingering finish: The whisky concludes with a long and warming finish, leaving behind lingering impressions of tobacco and aged leather on the palate, followed by a pleasant and comforting aftertaste.

Beyond the Sip:

• Exclusive Sherry Cask Maturation: This expression owes its rich character to exclusive aging in Oloroso sherry casks. These casks impart deep flavors and contribute to the whisky’s well-rounded profile.
• Award Recognition: The GlenDronach 18 Allardice has received recognition for its quality, earning a Silver Medal at the 2013 International Wine & Spirits Competition.
• Uncompromising Quality: This whisky is bottled unfiltered and free from artificial coloring, ensuring a pure and authentic drinking experience.
• Meaningful Name: The name “Allardice” pays homage to the distillery’s founder, James Allardice. “GlenDronach” itself translates to “valley of the brambles” or “valley of the blackberries,” a nod to the distillery’s Scottish heritage.
• Owned by Brown-Forman: The GlenDronach distillery is currently under the ownership of Kentucky-based Brown-Forman corporation.

A Champion of Value:

The GlenDronach 18 Allardice stands out for its exceptional value proposition. Many reviewers find it comparable in taste to the Macallan 18 Sherry Oak, but at a more attractive price point. This makes it a fantastic choice for those seeking a rich and full-bodied sherry-matured whisky without breaking the bank.

A Whisky to Savor:

The GlenDronach 18 Allardice is more than just a drink; it’s an experience to be savored. Its robust character and complex flavors invite slow sipping and contemplation, making it a perfect whisky for those who appreciate a truly gratifying dram.

Glenmorangie 18 Years Old: A Smooth and Fruity Single Malt with Depth

• Similar to: Glenlivet 18

The Glenmorangie 18 Year Old stands out as a premium single malt Scotch whisky known for its exceptionally smooth and fruity character. Its unique two-stage maturation process contributes to a complex flavor profile that has garnered recognition and praise from whisky enthusiasts.

Aromatic Profile:

• Gentle spice and fruit: The nose opens with a pleasant spiciness, followed by hints of caramel, orange peel, and a touch of red grape.

Tasting Experience:

• Velvety and full-bodied: The whisky presents a luxurious and full-bodied texture on the palate. Flavors of stone fruits, figs, and honey mingle with zesty notes, creating a delightful taste profile.
• Extended finish: The Glenmorangie 18 concludes with a long and pleasant finish, free of harshness. Lingering notes of oak, sherry, and caramel complete the experience.

Beyond the Sip:

• Unique Maturation Process: This whisky’s distinctive character stems from its two-stage maturation. After spending 15 years in ex-bourbon casks, a portion of the whisky is transferred to Oloroso sherry casks for an additional three years. This unique process contributes to the whisky’s depth of flavor and fruity notes.
• Award-Winning Quality: The Glenmorangie 18 has received recognition for its quality, including Gold medals at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the 2013 International Wine & Spirits Competition.
• A Smooth and Classy Choice: This smooth and easy-drinking whisky makes it a perfect choice for those who appreciate a luxurious dram for a relaxing occasion. The price point, while premium, falls within a range that many whisky enthusiasts find reasonable.

Part of Luxury Brand: Glenmorangie is owned by Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, a well-respected French company known for its luxury goods and fine spirits portfolio.

A Delightful Choice for Savoring:

If you’re looking for a smooth and luxurious single malt Scotch whisky with a unique fruity character, the Glenmorangie 18 Years Old is an excellent choice. Its depth of flavor and exceptional quality make it a whisky to be savored and enjoyed.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
GlenDronach 18	$200
Glenmorangie 18	$140