Richard-Davenport
Glenfiddich 18 Year
Single Malt — Speyside, Scotland
Reviewed
October 30, 2025 (edited June 22, 2026)
Similar characteristics to my last review (6/1/22). Unambiguous sherry-finished nose with spice cake, dates, pomander, and cool sassafras. Light glycerin on the palate, where vanilla comes in, finishing with a little pepper and more vanilla and chocolate.
This is good, widely available whisky, and is far cheaper than Macallan 18 (Glenfiddich 18 can be had for around $125, whereas Mac 18 goes for north of $300). But why add E105a coloring? Why chill filtered? If you're going to age a whisky for 18 years, why not be more authentic?
Would I buy it again? Yes. Glenfiddich has a long history, and in the 1960s was one of the first (if not the first) distillery to offer single malts as opposed to blends. It drinks well, and is inexpensive relative to other 18-yr-old Scotch whiskies. 4.0 on the Distiller scale.
43% ABV (Distiller still incorrectly lists 40%, over three years since I noticed that on my previous review). Chill filtered. (Batch #3958)
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@DrRHCMadden apologies for the late reply. I think "generic" is apt. It's good, but not particularly memorable. This one in particular could be better with a higher proof, no E105a, and no chill filtering.
I just laid into Glenfiddich in my last review for being “generic”. Maybe it’s time to find some older ones…