When I was a kid my grandma always kept some buckets by the door. When we grandkids came to visit, if we filled the buckets, she would bake us an apple pie. The nose of this Glenlivet 18 yr offering reminds me of grandma's pie, with a lovely warm crust, baked apples and brown sugar, all served with homemade vanilla ice cream. The palate is lovely and sweet, with dough, apples and vanilla. The finish is long and satisfying. Tomorrow is the 4th of July and most of my compatriots, if they drink whiskey, will be enjoying a good bourbon or rye, and that's great. As for me, I think I'll enjoy another glass of Glenlivet 18yr, close my eyes and remember the days on my grandparents farm. Happy birthday America, hope it's a good one.