ralfy review 623 - Glenlivet 18yo @ 43%vol
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- Опубликовано: 17 окт 2024
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This video represents a personal opinion and perspective only.
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Ralfy lowers my blood pressure......nothing is more relaxing than sitting with a glass of the creature and hearing these great reviews, delivered by a master. Life is good.
Glass of the creature lol
Thanks for that advice about letting whisky settle in the glass for “a minute in the glass for every year in the cask”. It really makes a difference!
(A whisky beginner)
That was way more interesting than the Super Bowl halftime show.👍🙌
Turning off the television is more interesting than the Super Bowl halftime show. ;)
I changed the channel after first half.
Terrific review Ralfy! Thank you for making my malt journey interesting and better.
buffalo trace
I received this wonderful 18 year old Scotch at Christmas from my spouse. It was the best Christmas present I've ever gotten. God bless us everyone.
A few months ago I was gifted the newer bottling of Glenlivet 18 that comes in a blue box. At 40% it was quite disappointing, then a fellow malt mate advised getting my hands on the older, 43% variety featured in this review. Wow...what an incredible difference...and this older variety was every bit as good as Ralfy described. I've seen the blue box 18 yr on sale for as much as $150 US which is not a good value at all...that's far more than I paid for the older higher quality version at auction. Here's to hoping we will see a return of this higher quality, higher strength variety. 46% would be great too, but I won't be holding my breath waiting.
thanks for your review, Ralfy! You are the most honest and knowledgeable reviewer of whisky I have come across...and the added authenticity you bring being a native of Scotland contributes credibility so special to the spirit...if I was a Single Malt Scotch Whisky, I would be so proud to be honored by your review! Slainte Cheers!
. . . happy to help with the malt-moments !
I paid a visit to my *spiritual* home, Glenlivet Distillery, before Covid happened. I think my favourite is the 15 year old Glenlivet but the 18year old is very good indeed and comes out of the cabinet for special occasions.
20 minutes in the glass and it takes on a whole different wonderful character. My family thought it was a fantastic way to end the week.
7 years later, 2024: tears in the eyes.
Glenlivet 18 back then and now: A perfect example of taking an absolutely wrong turn in every regard.
Care to elaborate ?
Would you care to elaborate ?
@@Soldano999 Just try them both next to each other. Starts with 43% vs. 40%. Less "deep" less interesting. I tried the new versiona nd am really glad that I still have one old bottle. Was also a cheap 18 yo.
Lowered the ABV and raised the price. What a shame
On my way to Total Wine in the USA to pick up a bottle of Glenfiddich 18 and Glenlivet 18, thanks for great reviews as always ralfy!
Spot on review of this malt! Letting it sit for 15 to 18 min really does help release the rich beautiful oak. Ralfy, you're brilliant, mate. I'm catching up on your reviews and what a grand and educational experience it has been!
Glenlivet 18 is one of my favourite scotch single malt whiskys
Know nothing about whiskey and just wanted to get your final score, but you have such character and charisma that I watched the entire review. Getting this for my brother in law for father's day. Thanks!
. . . thanks for watching and happy to help with the malt-moments !
And by "widely available here in the states" I mean like BevMo: www.bevmo.com/. If there's anything that's $50 more I can pick up here that you'd recommend over this, I'd go for it.
One of my top bottles for the price. Agreed with your overall very positive review!
Its a great dram!
Hi Ralfy! A small thought I had: the most accurate thing to do when calculating the "price per year of maturation" would be to subtract the average cost of a bottle of non-matured spirit before dividing by the age. That way you're truly calculating the cost of each year of maturation, whereas right now your numbers combine the cost of maturation with the inherent cost of the distillate. So for example, if un-aged spirit costs 15 quid per bottle, then when you buy a 12 year-old whisky you are paying 15 for the distillate and (40-15)/12 = 2.08 per year of maturation. Cheers!
I've been on the fence recently about buying this bottle. Your review couldn't have come at a better time! Great job as usual ! Cheers
I bought several bottles of this single malt as presents and for myself back when I was in Kosovo. This single malt was ludicrously cheap for how good it is, one could buy a 1l bottle for only 38 euros in our PX, the absolutely best price to quality ratio I have ever come across. Mind you, a 0.7l bottle of the normal 12 year old costs almost 50 euros at Alko in Finland. Extremely smooth, one of my absolute favorites.
best, most entertaining Whisky-Reviewer on the interwebs! Keep them coming, Ralfy. Kind Regards from Austria
I love the use of blackboard to highlight logic and economic sense. As always Ralfy, thanks for your transparent, honest and experienced opinion
I appreciate that you pointed out the ridiculous disparity between the Macallan 18 and the younger bottlings. In the United States where I'm at, the 12 year old Traditional Sherry Cask Aged Macallan is around $60; the 18 year old traditional sherry cask is 'round about $270. I mean, seriously. That kind of a price jump is guaranteeing that I won't be graduating above the 12 yr old anytime soon.
. . . I totally agree with you on this, it's just totem pricing.
Truth. Macallan should at least split the difference with a 15 year sherry cask priced between $100-125. I’d definitely be a buyer at that range. They have a 15 year Fine Oak, so what the hell is the deal with them? The sherry cask maturation works so much better for Macallan’s new make. Maybe, they could go even further and make a 15 year cask strength or a 46% ABV sherry malt. After all, Edrington is supposed to be a charity, so they should be a little more charitable to the customers that keep them in business.
I haven't had Macallan but I hope to get 18 some day. But I will say that with the example of Springbank 10 and Springbank 12, they are two VERY different whiskies and the price jump of 30 or 40 odd dollars is something that I can understand, given the added cost of maturing it. Springbank 10 might actually be my favorite of the 2 even though they are both excellent.
I am an accountant and can relate to your aging cost analysis. brilliant!
Hi Ralfy. I'm so glad you reviewed this whisky which in my opinion is a great single malt. More often than not these malts get looked down upon by their sheer ubiquity. In our search for the more obscure and hence untried and untested territories we fail to notice the goodness of the likes of the Livets and the Fiddichs which are right there in plain sight! Thank you for this review yet again.
I've tried the 12 yo several times and have always been disappointed with it's weak and bland flavour. A 91 sure sounds like an indication that the 18 is a vast improvement.
I've been through bottles of both, and the 18 is a massive upgrade from the 12.
will look out for it. Thanks AD.
Just bought the 18 as well. Would buy again. It was a toss-up between the 18 year Glenfiddich and some other that I cannot remember. I had the French oak Glen livet (I think 15 year?) and liked it so went with the Glen livet.
The 18 is a huge step up from the 12, but I still really love the 12 for its price and the buzz. Glenlivet gets the alcohol part of the equation damn near perfect across their aged line. A Glenlivet buzz is peppier than usual for any hard liquor. The buzz reminds me of drinking champagne more than liquor and the 12 also tastes and smells like champagne with some added elements of vanilla, pears, and pineapples. The 15 reminds me more of fine wine with some added spices. The 18 has more refined characteristics of both with sherry elements and the added oak elements from advanced maturation. The 18 is just flat out superb for the price. It’s $200 whisky for less than a hundred.
Glenlivet is also damn near hangover proof in all of their line (including the cask strength 16 year Nadurra), unless one drinks an absurd amount (more than 8 shots; I’ve never done it, so I don’t know). I’m positive that you can find single malts that are better in taste, nose, and finish than the low end of Glenlivet’s line (12-18 year), but I doubt you can find one that will give you a better buzz and no hangover. For some reason of all the single malts I’ve tried, Glenlivet just has a better buzz and higher alcohol quality. I always keep at least one Glenlivet stocked. I really wish PR would keep making the 16 year Nadurra. It’s like a 12 year on steroids with greater maturation.
Another brilliant video Ralfy. I'm glad you expressed this as a mathematical formula. It helps add weight to your reviews by adding such facts. You may be able to even go one step further and come up with a formula that compares the price to the malt mark.
I've been watching you for many years Ralfy, keep up the great work.
. . . happy to share the malt-moments !
Just bought a bottle for 43,80€ plus a refund fee 7,10€ for returning empty beer bottles. Now, Glenlivet 18yo for 36,70€ is the cheapest 18yo single malt I have in my collection. Excited to taste an affordable 91 maltmark :)
Genius way to show the buyer liability when buying NAS whisky. Thank you Ralfy!
I've watched most of your videos, Ralfy. Do I have a Malty Ph D yet?
. . . nearly there !
I feel a bit melancholic as over the last year I've steadily went through 90 pc of the vids I reckon starting with the earliest, and am almost up to date!
10,000hrs before PHD
MD=Malt Doctor, PhD=Phenolic Docent 😁
Yes! Your Diploma is a "Kilt"
I have had this since about 2014-2015. Cracked the seal today. It was different than what I thought it would be, not disappointing by no means! This is the first time I have came across your channel as I searched for videos while I tried it for the first time. Wow to both the bottle and your channel! New subscriber here! I have bottles of Scotch, Rum, and so on opened and unopened, some that I would like to keep unopened for years!
This is one of my favorites! I like to enjoy the the taste on my pallet for as many seconds as the age statement. This is the only whisky I have had that performs a complete taste change in my mouth. Starts very fruity, sweeter and more syrupy than the 12. At the end of my 18 second mouth coating, this dram changes to a drying, very woody oak taste, with the fruit disappearing altogether. Very wonderful experience. Very reasonably priced as well. I am getting it here in Arizona for about $75.
Going to crack this one open when a dear friend visits on Friday, and your vlog has made me glad for my choice!
Hi Ralfy, I've read and watched many vlogs/blogs to help guide me on which Whiskies to spend my money on. This segment on value for money is priceless (pardon the pun). I am intentionally trying out entry level bottlings from as many distilleries as I can which are typically aged at 10/12 yrs so that I can then be in a better position to pick which more expensive/ older whiskies to try later. Your equation on price per year has really put a different slant on my views. It is easy to forget in a time where whisky prices are rising that distillers have to invest a lot of time and expose themselves to business risks (ie market shifts) in producing their products...a bottle of 18 yo Glenlivet at £60 roughly is not much really when I think 18 years ago I was at school which feels like a lifetime ago!
Great review Ralfy, its one my top 5 18yr whiskies to go to as its been great everytime ive tried it, Slainte!
Love this review, Ralfy. Think I most definitely need to add this to my whisky collection :) Thank you, and keep up the good work!
Bases on your review, I've decided to buy a bottle. I've not had a Glenlivet for quite a long time (last time was an aged-stated Nadurra, that you can't find on a regular basis anymore...). Frankly, I'm pleasantly surprised : the nose is very charming, the palate, while a little thin, is hugely aromatic. And it's a real bargain here in french supermarkets at 38 euros a bottle... I'm glad you brought this one to my attention! Cheers Ralfy!
Just watched this. Thanks Ralfy! Love your channel and just ordered your new book! The quality of the information on this channel is equivalent to a 30+ age statement single malt!
I think i found my new favourite whiskey reviewer...
I have decided to get a slow start on getting to know whiskies. It propably would be a waste of money to spend it all on 18y whiskies afterall I can't get the most of the taste and nosing.
I'll just go with younger to get my gears going and then gradually go deeper.
I have noticed I'm comfiest on speyside. so Peaty whiskies can wait yet for a while :)
I really appreciate your work Ralfy! Tou have helped alot on this short stint so far! Keep tem coming!
Antti Hirvensalo That sounds like a smart strategy for your scotch journey, my friend. There are many good to great 12-15 year single malts out there that are worth a try. I still love Macallan 12 and Glenlivet 12/15 after years of testing the market. I’m thinking about trying the new Glen Grant 15 year Batch Strength 100 proof single malt. It’s running $75 in my state, which isn’t bad for a 15 year NCF, NCA high ABV scotch. I’m waiting for it to hit the whisky bars first or a reviewer I trust like Ralfy (though I think it’s a US only release).
Finally bought a bottle. I was sad to see it had been reduced to 40% abv. so I kept off buying for a long time. I’m happy to say it tastes wonderful.
Now THAT was an eye opener! Thanks Ralfy for putting all those smarts into my brain.
Just saw one of these older 43% bottles dusty in a shop today for $120 US. Need to go back and buy it.
You rock.
. . . n' roll !
Just under £58 quid for the Glenvilet 18 here in the UK, definitely a good buy. Just bought another two bottles from Amazon lol! Appreciate the review (and worldly philosophy) as always Ralfy, cheers.
I found this one in my supermarket for 31£. They made this heavy discount because nobody wanted to buy this old bottle, at 43% ABV, everybody was going for the new version, that has bare minimum of 40%. And that new version is 78£! I bought two bottles of this, I still can't believe what sort of people are getting this new, weaker version, jist because it has nice label...
Curious to know how the cork was?
@@MrNiceKnife Haven't got the chance to opet and and check it our jet,, too many bottles on my plate :)
Thankyou Ralfy for this Year Old vs av. Price tip. Most useful to choose any aged whisky on the shelf.
In Ontario Canada, in the last half-year, Glenlivet 18 dropped down to 40%abv and the price has risen from CAN$150 to $185. I have a bottle of 43%abv, but I will not buy the new 40%abv 'fraud-of-a-whisky'.
Ten minutes in and you finally mention cinnamon! That's what I thought too, although the baked fruit is also analogous!
youre a great man
a real malt hero
I don't think that Ralfy is wrong in his assumptions about the what you're paying, per year, for (generally) underaged NAS whisky - at, say, six years - but the key IS complexity. Young whiskies, whether multivintaged/multicasked or not, can ONLY pile one wood flavour UPON one another, not give you the complexity that is derived from the development of tertiary flavours (the interaction BETWEEN still and cask). Ralfy's point about reputation vs. drinkable value is also well made. Well done/said, Ralfy!
. . . just helping with the malt-moments !
Thanks Ralfy! If they had explained why I needed maths like this back in grade 7 I would've been more dedicated to my homework. :^)
91/100, dear God, this is my next single malt! This has been one of the most rewarding video my friend. Can you tell if there are some older malts inside, 21 YO or even older?
Sampled this twice since October 2016 & adore this dram. Very different to the Islay's I regularly drink & love, but I refuse not to try differing styles/regions offers. But back to the 18yo, the first time I drank it was a 50ml sampler that came with a Glenlivet 12yo & was blown away by the whole experience of it from just 2 small drams! But it suffers from one problem in this country (Australia), it sells for $130 AUD. Unsure if this is price creep or our idiotic taxation laws at work, but as an example in the short time I've been drinking drams seriously (about 16 months now), paying full retail price Lagavulin 16 from the same bottle shop has gone from $90 AUD to a whopping $114 AUD today.
Of all the reviews i watch ,i find yours mimic and maybe even more enable me to write my own reviews by listening to you...although i believe i may add an additional point or 2 , simply because this is my favorite in The Glenlivet lineup so far. Thank you Sir for your insight.
. . . happy to share !
I kicked Glenlivet's classic range to curb a good 15 years ago. Never found a scotch since that gives you hints of stainless steel. Worth a try if Glenlivet found production values again.
I’ve never tasted even a hint of metal in their single malts, except from an old single shot 12 bottle with a metal lid, which makes all whisky taste worse than it would be corked. You should give them another try. Glenlivet has excellent alcohol quality, with a very pleasant, peppy buzz and no hangovers, even down to their 12 year. Glenlivet provides all of the elements of a Speyside malt (fresh apples, pears, grapes, pineapples, vanilla, spices, honey, and a dash of floral), while adding in extra complexity in their more matured products. Glenlivet is good single malt scotch at prices that beat their competitors across their line, especially from a cost/benefit analysis.
A breakfast whisky. Last dram was after breakfast at the Qantas First Lounge in LAX before heading home before Christmas. Staff had a bit of a laugh because it was only 7am in the morning.
I include Talisker 18 in my good value for money malts. Very happy that you are spending some time with older malts. Very interesting stuff!
Talisker 18 is a brilliant whisky, even better then the 25 and its great value
Great review - also the chalkboard lesson about price/year was very interesting - THANKS RALFY!!
I was sitting here enjoying the 15 year Glenlivet, and really loving it...However now im excited to get the 18 after hearing this review..If that was'nt enough for a great review we get treated to Scotch math...LOL...I love it, the chalk board math is brilliant, and makes so much sence..Im now looking at things from a whole different prespective..As a family man with bills to pay, i cant just go crazy on spending..However this all makes perfect sence in value for the dollar..Man i just love these reviews, and wisdom...Cheers from Tennessee....B...Update : I now have the 18 to try tonight..Iam amazed how a little water, and some time changes the flavor, but its true...This is really really good, i would have never gotten out to try all these delicious whisky's without this wonderful education im recieving here in the videos..Thanks so much..B
Did you get the 43% or 40% abv.. Thanks..
Hello ralfy and thanks a lot for all your videos i have learnt a lot and i have saved a lot of money, please tell me im fan of laphroig and arran and lagavulin and some more please tell me glenlivit 18 is chil filter? Its worth buying it? Or with this range of money i can buy something else?
Who on earth, after drinking a whiskey is like "it's really good, but I wish it had more of a caramel color."? I don't understand why certain brands add caramel coloring to their whiskey. Always go natural and no one will complain about the coloring.
Great review Ralfy!!!
I love the 18yr
Ralfy, now that's what I call a review. I completely enjoyed the second half. With that said, would you consider in a future review, explaining the how's and why's of why certain of these spirits are only available in the UK or EU and not in the states? I have been fortunate to fine some that are not available here in a few Duty Free shops at the airports. Lastly, regarding N.A.S spirits, I cannot recall ever seeing one, age stated, that was less than 8 years old. Your thoughts?
Cheers,
Rich
PS> I would think $40 US for a pair of the glasses would be very fair...
Thanks Ralfy for the videos. Very educational. You're the best mate!
One of the best scores for one of the cheapest 18 year olds!! Praise the lord!!! Wow what a wonderful world we live in
Loved the 2 teaspoons of water demonstration :P Saved a few bottles that i managed to get prior to the current prices which have sky rocketed!
this one was like a warm chocolate orange sweet spiced blanket. so unbelievably smooth. im an islay person myself but this was surely a great dessert after the heavy steaks
Great review Ralfy, this is definitely going in my wishlist ! Got a malt mention for you, malty melissopalynologists
Thanks Ralfy for the review, I'm sure of buyin' it after such a brilliant review of yours)
Time to turn my notifications on again. I wonder who has the most firsts? Nice one, Ralfy, perhaps the last 18 that is priced reasonably and not 200 Canadian.
Cheers,
Mark
+WW, This is $86 in New Brunswick, $109 in NS and $150 in Ontario. I would say Auchentoshen 18 at $95 and Bowmore 18 at $126 in Ontario have taken over as the best priced 18's
peter white out here in BC glenlivet 18 and bowmore 18 are the same price, $130
How does this compare to the 15, 14? Love your channel Ralfy... watch it almost every night.
I love the maths! What's mind boggling for me is how Glenlivet 18 and Glenfiddich 18 are around $70 where I am, while the Macallan 18 is over $245! What voodoo maths are they following? Is Macallan 3 times better or costing than the other Glens?
Please do a video comparing old glenlivet 18 43% with new edition 40% in english. I am wondering how much worse is new release.
Is this malt-mark simply magnanimous munificence ? I trust Ralfy's reviews to be mindful, meticulous, mature and his malt-marks are always meritorious and never the result of mealy-mouthed meekness.This malt is currently "on sale" here in Ontario, Canada for $130 CAD (it's normally $150 CAD). By comparison, Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old sells for $95 CAD. Is this Glenlivet 18 worth the extra $35? I'm more of a peated whisky fan, but I like to try different things.
Hi Ralfy! Thank you so much for all your great reviews. For me, these are the most useful and enjoyable ones on the net.
The book from Misako Udo you are talking about appears to be no longer available (for a reasonable price). Do you have a replacement?
One of the very best. Intense aromas and superb taste.
Thank you for another interesting and entertaining review, Ralfy!
Will you review Glenfarclas 25 yo?
Cardboard coffin!!! Bwahahaha. You are truly unique and amusing, Ralfy! Thumbs up!
Super! one of few bottles you have reviewed that we can source in India, right to the alcohol content. Have been having the livet 18 for the past couple of years & always loved it. The 15 is great too but may can't touch the 15 on the other the 21 surprised me but guess given the price i was happy that some one was serving it to me.
Also the cost per year makes sense to me. Nice way to show how not to get ripped.
Cheers
. . . happy to help with the malt-moments !
Hi Ralfy! Whenever you give a 91, I buy (if it's affordable!). So, I did with this one. Absolutely delicious. My roommate and I were discussing this tonight as we had our drams. You mentioned that you had a Glenlivet 18yo a few years back and it was awful- do you think this particular 18yo Glenlivet could go on to become a collectible? Is this a Glenlivet classic? I'm not a big fan of regular Glenlivet, but this is really something else.
. . . worth buying another bottle now to drink in a few years.
very very lovely whisky specially when the air in the bottle is about 20/25 % and is left for a couple of weeks
A delicious and underrated 18 yr.! Credit where credit is due here. Great tasting notes.
people just cant hate this guy
I've had this whisky, I think you've done it justice with you're review.
Towards the end of the video you mention Glenfiddich 18 year old is a good value, similar to other 18 year old whiskies (such as The Glenlivet here). Is there any chance Glenfiddich 18 is on your list of malts to review? Thanks!
All that effusive praise, then only a 91? Tough room, Ralfy! 😏
Been chasing this one for a long time, since was discontinued and replaced by the 40% version. Found it for a similar price and opened it today. The nose is so pleasant, the palate is still in development. Comparing with the newer 18, it’s really more complex and creamy. Do you know what year the older 18 stopped being produced?
Hi Ralfy, great review!
I'm surprised you've never reviewed Edradour 10 yr old, any chance this could happen?
Hello Ralfy,
With these NAS options, are not the distilleries going to have issues down the road? It seems to me that they will not have the matured stock available later in quantities as they are dipping in to immature stock now.
Hi Ralfy, Tesco has a good deal on Lagavulin Distillers Edition 1999 on sale at £55 at this time. Keep on keeping on. :-)
I love a good whisky. I don't get to do it very often because i tend to (love it a bit to much).... watching your videos helps with the mindset. but i really do struggle to stop filling that glass, especially when its a really nice one!.. when you taste a really good whisky, one that personally takes you, how do you keep it under control?
“Nice quality cardboard coffin.” Well, Ralfy was once an undertaker so it’s understandable.
Hi Ralfy,
I was given a bottle of Glenlivet Archive 21yr old - George Smiths Original 1824, Pure Single Malt, Scoth Whiskey - George and G.Smith - 700ml at 43%. I haven't opened it, I'd like to hear what thoughts on this whiskey ? If you have tried it what mark would you give it?
Cold in the bothy Ralfy? Hood up over your hat, and you struggled to get the malt mark open, thanks for the review anyway.
What a fantastic "malt mention"!
I tried this from a miniature bottle and it was outstanding. I got a large bottle and it's not the same by far! Disappointing batch variation. :(
Ralfy.... What is up with The Glenlivet 18 rebranding and WORSE move to 40% ABV from 43%ABV...!?!?!? This is an unmitigated scandal. Who was the branding genius that came up with this idea? This is like changing the formula for Coke or changing the herbs and spices in Kentucky Fried Chicken..! Your thoughts on this?
Just enjoyed a glass from a bottle i purchased 2+ years ago....i let it sit for 18-20 min and didnt notice any hazy look to the whisky like yours....could be that they just recently started doing less chil filtering?
Only a few mins in ... but he seems lit up already.
David Kim
He had a few linguistic bumbles 😁
That Glenlivet buzz really is one of a kind. It’s very peppy, pleasant, and social, especially in comparison to any other liquor. The effect is more like fine champagne than whisky and it’s damn near hangover proof. Cheers.
I better get a bottle of this before the prices shoot up. Prices on single malts have been skyrocketing lately in my area. Aberlour A'bunadh just went from $80 to $100 a bottle for example.
It is now december 2019 and Glenlivet prepared us a nice Christmas present by devaluating this Glenlivet 18 years old whisky. Other packaging and a lower ABV! 40% instead of 43%. And as an extra surprise the price! It was €75 in the Netherlands and it is just the same now instead of lowering it to a € 69,=. The difference is the most expensive water I ever bought.
lol...oh wait, thats not funny in the least :(
Ralfy great video. Question, what about single malts with a smokey character? The longer they stay in the cask, the less smokey they get, right?, so perhaps here the NAS or younger might be a better value? Thank you. BTW I am not an expert and perhaps my question does not apply.
. . . yes and no, it's true what you say but things vary between malts and casks.