Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:34 am
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.
Uncover the variances between Glenlivet 18 and Glenmorangie 18 in this direct comparison and determine which Single Malt suits your taste preferences best!
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
Glenlivet 18 vs Glenmorangie 18: Comparison
Glenlivet 18: Exhibits ripe fruit, apricot, and caramel on the nose, transitioning to a palate of orange, vanilla, and baking spice. The finish is a lasting embrace of oak, dried fruit, and cinnamon. Known for its smoothness and gentle sipping experience, it offers a comforting warmth without complexity. Perfect for those preferring a milder, unpeated whisky.
Glenmorangie 18: Opens with a spice, caramel, and orange peel aroma, leading to a rich palate of pitted fruits, figs, and honey. The finish is a harmonious blend of oak, sherry, and caramel. Celebrated for its creamy texture and depth of flavor, thanks to a unique maturation process. An excellent choice for evenings, providing sophistication without a steep price.
Verdict: Both Glenlivet 18 and Glenmorangie 18 offer distinct pleasures to the whisky aficionado. Glenlivet presents a gentle, smooth experience, ideal for those who favor subtlety. Glenmorangie, on the other hand, offers a rich palate with depth, at an attractive price point.
Your preference may depend on whether you seek smooth simplicity or creamy complexity. Both are commendable, each shining in its own right, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top-Rated 18-Year Scotches
Glenlivet 18: Smoothness personified
- 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
Fruity & Sweet: The Glenlivet 18 welcomes you with a sweet and fruity aroma, hinting at apricots and caramel.
Effortless Smoothness: The taste is incredibly smooth and gentle, offering sweet orange and vanilla flavors followed by a subtle hint of spice.
Lingering Warmth: The finish is long and dry, leaving a pleasant warmth and notes of oak, dried fruit, and cinnamon.
Well-Balanced Enjoyment: While not the most complex, Glenlivet 18 delivers a well-balanced and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Gentle & Approachable: With no smoke or peat flavors, this smooth whisky caters to those who prefer a gentle and easy-drinking dram.
Neat is Best: Enjoy it neat, as adding water is unnecessary due to its smooth nature.
Glenlivet Legacy:
- Aged to Perfection: The 18-year expression is matured in a combination of American and European oak casks, contributing to its smooth character.
- Rich History: The Glenlivet Distillery, founded in 1824, holds a long and prestigious history in whisky production.
- Part of Pernod Ricard: Today, the brand is owned by Pernod Ricard, a renowned spirits company also holding brands like Chivas Regal.
Glenmorangie 18: A Smoothly Sophisticated Scotch
- Nose: Spice, caramel, orange peel, red grape
- Palate: Pitted fruits, figs, honey
- Finish: Oak, sherry, caramel
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat, add water
Inviting Aroma: Glenmorangie 18 opens with a subtle spice, followed by hints of caramel, orange peel, and red grape, hinting at the flavors to come.
Luxurious Body: The palate is smooth and full-bodied, delivering flavors of stone fruits, figs, and honey, with refreshing zesty notes.
Long, Lingering Finish: The finish is long and warming, devoid of harshness, with notes of oak, sherry, and a touch of caramel.
Unique Maturation: This whisky’s complexity stems from its unique maturation process. After 15 years in bourbon casks, a portion is finished in sherry casks for added depth and character, resulting in a remarkably creamy and fruity Scotch.
Sophisticated Evening Sipper: Glenmorangie 18 is a premium Scotch, perfect for savoring as an after-dinner drink. Its smooth taste and depth of flavor offer a touch of luxury at a reasonable price.
Award-Winning: Glenmorangie 18 has been recognized for its quality, earning awards at prestigious competitions like the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Wine & Spirits Competition.
Behind the Smoothness: Two key factors contribute to Glenmorangie’s signature smoothness:
- Tall Stills: The distillery’s stills, the tallest in Scotland, produce a more delicate spirit.
- Small Copper Boilers: Smaller copper pots increase contact with the copper during distillation, resulting in a smoother and creamier texture.
Owned by LVMH: Glenmorangie is part of LVMH, a renowned French luxury goods group, further solidifying its position as a premium whisky brand.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Glenlivet 18 | $150 |
| Glenmorangie 18 | $120 |