Glenmorangie 18 Year

Rare malt scotch whisky. I can taste the hints of honey on the front and toffee flavor on the back. Very tasty.

This is a great scotch but I’m not sure if I like it more than the Lasanta or Quinta Ruben Glenmorangie scotches. It’s better than the Glenlivet 18 but the Macallan 18 is obviously the best.

Robust flavor off the bat, with a rich bread presence and a faint bit of caramel, a bit like a morning bun. No smoke is present, but there is a little brine. Less tart and more smooth than the Astar. Not super lively, but suitably complex and interesting. There are not many other Scotches like this one, so it is difficult to compare. I'd say that it is playing the same game as the Glenmorangie Astar, but better. It is playing a different game than the Glenmorangie Signet, but at a similar level. Glengoyne 15 is competing with Glenmorangie 18, but is not as good. At the end of the day though, I'd rather have a Glenmorangie 18 and a Glengoyne 15 than a Glenmorangie Signet and it would be a whole lot cheaper. That said, while the depth of the Glenmorangie 18 is impressive and worth appreciating, Glenmorangie the Original is sweet and full as well at a third of the price, so maybe get something with a different character and some of the cheaper Glenmorangie as a staple. What is amazing is how creamy and smooth this drink is, with no off notes either. It's no Highland Park 18, but it is darned good. Against the Compass Box Spice Tree, this is evenly matched, but its finish is very good, so in a tie it pulls ahead. The Spice Tree, on the other hand, is filled with potentially, and those wishing to take a bet should give it a chance. Rich and lemony with a viscous caramel flavor. Some salt and hints of brine come through toward the finish, along with an increased tartness, but the balance remains superb. The depth is terrific, but I do wish there were more nuance over time. I think I still prefer the Compass Box Spice Tree, but this is quite a fine drink. Highland Park 18, of course, is still a fair amount better with its deep, rich, robust, varied, and well-rounded flavor. Citrus, mineral, coconut, and a bit of cream. It's quite good, but could use some improvement. The nose isn't very interesting. Citrus vanilla, malt, a bit of spice. It isn't very strong though and some alcohol comes through. The palate is much better with rich vanilla, coconut wood up front. There's a bit of alcohol harshness, but it isn't too bad. The rich, mellow coconut vanilla flavor is very nice. It certainly tastes like an older Glenmorangie The Original. It's floral and fruity with tartness and rich, nutty sweetness. I'm quite happy drinking it, but it really just has the sweet nuttiness going for it - otherwise, the flavors are pretty standard in quality, though they fit well. There's a definite lemon flavor in here and while there are also hints of orange and tangerine, the lemon is a bit off-putting. There's some brown sugar/butterscotch sweetness. It's harsher than I would like. I could take or leave this one, unfortunately. There's decent complexity, but the flavors don't quite come together in a way that appeals to me. I maintain my rating of 17.