Glenlivet 18 Year Batch Reserve

Review #045 Type: single malt scotch Strength: 40% Details: aged 18 years in first and second fill American oak and ex-sherry casks Consumed after: first drink of the session Appearance (no score): Auburn color. Swirling shows a thick line that adheres to the glass, with legs forming rapidly. Nose: 15/20 Baking spices, strawberries, plums, crisp pears, and butterscotch. The initial aroma had a strong alcohol presence, but it mellowed after about 15 minutes of resting. Palate: 30/40 The mouthfeel is somewhat thin, and no dominant flavors stand out. I detect honey, applesauce, brown sugar, grain cereal, and orange zest. The flavors meld well but are very subtle. Finish: 33/40 A medium-length finish. Chili pepper heat starts things off, then fades to leave orange citrus before transitioning to vanilla and cinnamon. It concludes with a semi-bitter floral note. With Water: Adding water brings out additional stone fruit flavors on the palate, like plums and peaches. The finish now ends with a salty note, and the floral notes disappear. Total: 78/100 Final Thoughts: I found this solitary bottle at the hotel bar and couldn't resist when the bartender mentioned the price. I even ordered a double, and for the cost, it was much better than expected. I'm glad I had the chance to try it; it was pleasant to drink, but I am somewhat disappointed by its mildness. The bottle was less than three-quarters full (I usually finish mine quickly), and who knows how long it's been open, so that might be a factor. This could be suitable for someone new to scotch, but I can also think of other options that are more enjoyable for less money. Price: $15 per pour; my local store sells bottles for $150. Recommendation: no Purchase: no Scoring Guide: 96-100: Exceptional, a perfect dram, divine, will be savored, 5 stars. 90-95: Nearly perfect, truly special, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, nearly flawless, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, enjoyable but not mind-blowing, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but flawed, unlikely to buy again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, wouldn't go out of my way for it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or discarding, 2.5 stars or less.

To begin, it seems Glenlivet has discontinued the 18-year-old at 43% ABV and switched to a 40% ABV version last year labeled 'Batch Reserve'. I was puzzled by the significant difference in smell and taste compared to my previous tasting of the 18-year-old (which I had at a restaurant in Chicago—no idea how long they had that bottle). My earlier review applies to the 'old' version, as this bottle I have is their new 'Batch Reserve'. Nose - strong notes of honey, with some fruity/floral elements; this spirit is more aromatic than flavorful for me. Taste - smooth, easy to drink, with notes of honey and other sweet components, but nothing overpowering. Finish - a slight alcohol sting, finishing with a floral aftertaste. Score - 3.75, a bit disappointed by the change from their previous 18-year-old, which was amazing. It's still an improved 12-year-old, but not really worth the price tag. Hopefully, I can be fortunate enough to find a bottle of the old version (without the 'Batch Reserve' label). Scoring Guide 5.0 - Outstanding, unmatched by others 4.5 - Excellent, I would always try to keep a bottle in stock if possible 4.0 - Very good, quite enjoyable to drink, could be considered a go-to Scotch bottle 3.5 - Good, would taste again 3.0 - Average 2.5 - Acceptable, still drinkable. 2.0 - Inferior, able to drink but not enjoyable 1.5 and below—wouldn’t drink again unless absolutely necessary

Nose: Strawberry, peach, pear, caramel, floral hints, perhaps some cut grass, mint, and other dried herbs. A lot is happening and pulling in different directions. Nice. Palate: Caramel, vanilla, strawberry, stone fruit, buttercream, baking spice, fresh bread, some pine, some dried herbs. Smooth, creamy, rich mouthfeel. Finish: Baking spice, a touch of cinnamon, fruit, and the persistent dried herbs from the nose and palate. A savory toasted bread with some earthy notes. A little heat, but not much. A lovely drink, no question, but about average for its age and price. Nothing particularly stands out, either positively or negatively. I wouldn't mind having another, but I'm not eager to get one either.

Color: Appears coppery. Unfortunately, I suspect the whiskey has added coloring. Nose: Very complex and delicate, with hints of orange vanilla toffee, caramel, a creamy buttery softness, sherry notes in the mid-palate, a slight oaky tone, and a very subtle smoke. Palate: Oh so sweet! Very delicate and soft on the tongue, mouthwatering and coating, hitting the palate with notes of dark fruits like plums, grapes, and dark cherry. Adding a splash of water brightens the fruit with citrus notes of oranges and introduces vanilla oak influences. Finish: A soft warmth with a hint of brown spices emerging; the vanilla aftertaste is quite pleasant. It leaves the palate wanting another sip. This dram is so refined and delicate. So smooth on the palate with no perceptible spiciness, you can hold it in your mouth as long as you like! It must be among my all-time favorite Scotch whiskies.

Flavors of brown sugar, caramel, and toffee, with a mild baking spice subtly present. This could serve as a good entry to scotch for bourbon drinkers who enjoy it on the rocks. It might have been better for me earlier in my tasting experience, but the flavors feel too subdued now, likely due to significant dilution. There's probably a decent spirit base underneath the added water, artificial coloring, and processing used to achieve its 'smoothness.' This was a gift, and I probably wouldn't have purchased it myself, but I have positive recollections of the 18-year-old from a decade ago, and this is a pale imitation in my opinion.

Appearance: amber color, +1, high viscosity. Nose: Typical Glenlivet aroma; seltzer, sweet (honey, vanilla, caramel), fruity (red apples, pears, sultanas, tangerines), cereal, wet oak. Palate: Light spicy arrival, medium-full body, oily, sweet (honey, vanilla, caramel), fruity (tangerines, red apples, sultanas), barley malt; the oak is more prominent on the palate than the nose. Finish: Short to medium, with a sweet-cereal-oaky aftertaste. Comments: A good introductory dram (not my preference) but it's a safe profile, especially for those beginning their whisky journey.