Great list Geoff. One 18 yr old thats probably under the radar and doesn’t get talked about much is Tomatin 18, a good malt that I like at a price of €80 where I am . My local drinks shop has got Talisker 18 at €210, nearly fell over backwards from laughing 😂talk about taking the pi.. , slàinte Geoff. PS, anConc18 , love the stuff.
Hah yeah Talisker at €210 is a joke. Not even close to worth that much. Luckily I got my bottle through an exchange a while ago before the prices went haywire. I've got a Tomatin 18 on the go. Good stuff. Cheers David! 🥃
Can't believe that nobody at all mentioned "Speyburn 18" A brilliant deep,dark all natural sherried dram.With a brilliant price tag as well 80-90€ here in Germany..
Greetings from germany as well. I fully agree with you on the speyburn 18. really love it and i like the profile even more than ancnoc 18 and it's cheaper than ancnoc 18.
Videos are supposed to start with "what's up guys, welcome to Gwhisky, my name's Geoff." All my other subscriptions start their videos this way, which is a little weird, but that's how it's done. I fear change. Change is bad. It's like batch variation.
Other 18s worth mentioning, deanston 18 of course. Speyburn 18 is another solid, good value whisky. Tamdhu 18 and Old pultney 18 would be worth mentioning as well. And then, Caperdonich 18. That is an absolute beauty! Strongly recommended. Speaking of batch variation, Ledaig 18 has that as well. I have had 3 bottles so far, each with a different color and discernable differences in flavor. However, they are all pretty good. Bunna 18 sadly is a little all over the place. Finally, if price isnt a factor, Springbank 18 and Longrow 18 are both just divine.
Tamdhu is crazy expensive here. I've had a sample and found it to be very good, but I can't say I'm familiar with it. Speyburn I'll be trying this week, as I've got one on order. Pulteney 18 is nice stuff, but for me it wouldn't be a top 5 or even 10 in the category. Springbank and Longrow are of course fantastic, but they're also not widely available at MSRP, unfortunately. Great suggestions! 🥃
Solid list Geoff, I would have booted the HP and included GlenDronach 18 instead. I also like Glengoyne 18 even though it's chill filtered and only 43% ABV I still enjoy it.
Loved the travel Exclusive black bottle HP 18; free with Silver Spirits package on Viking River Cruise. I did buy the Loch Lomond for $80 in January - good value.
@@GwhiskyI know that also the old 18 year old Highland Park from like 2005 or maybe 2006 is a little better than the 2017 or maybe 2018 18 year old Viking Pride Highland Park
Solid, solid list Geoff! I always found Talisker 18 a bit overrated regardless of the price. I think I like my Taliskers young although the 25 was absolutely beautiful but I do enjoy having a kidney so I won't be buying that anytime soon. Loch Lomond 18 is a fantastic bang for buck and either of your honorable mentions would make me very happy 😃 Cheers Geoff🥃
Solid choices Geoff. Mine would be a top three, since my budget is limited, and I've only bought these as rare treats over the past few years. 3.Arran 2.AnCnoc and my No1 Deanston.
Deanston was in consideration for my mystery pour. Great whisky and great value. Tamdhu is CRAZY overpriced in my market. I really want to try it, but the price it prohibitive. I've not tried the Jura yet. Interesting picks! Cheers Liam! 🥃
Great video G! Recently bought LL 18 for $80 here in US. I may have mentioned this before but Glen Moray 18 is outrageous especially for under 100! Natural presentation in only first fill Bourbon casks. Eric Wait reviewed it last year and was blown away as well. Best release by former Master Distiller Graham Coull before he left to Dinkel in Ireland.
I've got a bottle of the Moray on the go. Good stuff! Not quite a top 5 contender for me personally, but definitely a nice one and great value. Easily the best Moray I've had. Cheesr Neal! 🥃
Such an interesting video mate! My all time favourite core range 18 YO is the GlenDronach 18 and the bunnahabhain 18 comes in the second place! Can you please name which bunnahabhain 18 batch year was bad and which ones were good? Cheers from Lebanon 🥃
Oof! We already finished our last bottle (the bad one). I don't recall what batch it was. The newer one is at my friend's place (bottle split). I'll have to check the code this Saturday when I visit. If memory serves, though, it was a 2022 release. Cheers! 🥃
Hey Geoff, here I was afraid you were going to present a list of which I had not tried ANY whisky yet - until you included the Talisker 18. Phew! Looks like you overlooked (or never tried?) the most obviously best 18yo, which is the Laphroaig 18. Cheers!
Hah well I was sticking to whiskies that are currently available, but I did enjoy the Laphroaig 18. Been a few years since I last had it, though. The 16 is fantastic. Have you tried it? 🥃
@@Gwhisky well, the Laphroaig 18 is still available in some shops. Don’t ask at which prices though. I was not aware there was a 16. Seems not available in my market 😢
As much as I will hate to admit it, I would probably include Talisker 18 in my list. Definitely would put Glen Scotia 18 & Loch Lomond 18 on it and probably the Bunna 18 & Ledaig 18. Cheers to another great list.
I'm not a fan of Talisker because of its peating, but I wonder at 18 years what that peating would be like. I'd certainly like to taste it. I bought a bottle of Lagavulin 16 on the understanding that the peating would be suppressed due to its aging. It was. I can willingly drink Lag16, even though I don't care for the peating, because what they wrap around that peating renders it more interesting than annoying. I should look for this on offer where I can get a tot.
Glen Scotia as beautiful stuff. Didn't quite make the cut but I enjoyed my last bottle immensely. @kellywellington7122 - Talisker 18 is more subdued than the 10. Very gentle and sophisticated imo. Not as peaty as the Laga 16, if that helps. 🥃
@@Gwhisky agreed. The peak intensity for Talisker is probably around 15 years old. Becoming mature and still keeping the fierce furor of the young ages.
Another great review, Geoff. I have the Longmorn 18 and the Ledaig 18 unopened in my collection. That status is likely to change tomorrow when my son arrives from London and begins regaling me with his adventures in California and Oregon. AnCnoc 18, Highland Park 18 and Talisker 18 are on my wishlist, but it may be some time before I get around to them. We'll see. Slainte!🥃
No Caol Ila 18 mmm🤔 but wait its extra Bunnahabhain 18 😅. Lovely stuff Goeff. All Drams to die for!! We all need some guilty pleasures sometimes so...🤷♂️ 👍😁🥂🙋🏻♂️
Fantastic review ❤ Keep it up 💪🏻. By the way, how's the new Ledaig 18 compare to batch 3 18yo you reviewed 2 years back? Aroma & palate similar still or differ by much?
To be honest I like both about equally. I haven't done a side-by-side, but going off of memory, they're bot top-tier 18s and I didn't notice a dip in quality after they standardized the release. 🥃
I just learned that Duty Free at Tokyo and Osaka airports have Yamazaki 18 for a mere 50,000 yen ($400) which you can apply for online. A solid list Geoff! I'm curious to hear your thoughts on the Yamazaki 18.
I think my favorite is not actually an 18 but is close enough so but the latest batch (Batch 4) of Traigh Bhan from Ardbeg was fantastic its a 19 yr whiskey so close enough it would be followed by Glendronach 18 Bowmore 18 Glenmorangie 18 Azuma Makoto Edition Tomatin 18 I think Tomatin 18 is severly underrated especially for its price i only paid $100 for it and its a fantastic deal and a great great Oloroso Sherry finished whiskey
By the way, gotta give you credit on Loch Lomond 18. Had the 12 year a few years back. Great bang for the buck that I immediately jumped on the 18 year not too long after.👍👍
Happy to see i have most in your list. Ancnoc 18, Bunna 18, HP18 TR, Talisker 18 and Ledaig 18. I do have Arran 18 but only the old bottle and still looking for the new one. I have not encountered yet the Longmorn 18 as its not fairly available here much like the new Arran 18 i'll keep an eye on Loch Lomond 18. Thanks for the list but its just the middle of year. I think we are expecting an updated list by end of year haha!
Hah there will be a premium whisky of the year at year's end. Not sure if anything here will make an appearance, though. 😉 Thanks for watching, buddy! 🥃
Damnit I was quite happily writing some of these off for differing reasons (Bunna unreliable; HP cost, Talisker even more so and I bet the quality has diminished too), but the Longmorn & Ledaig interest me. Ledaig 10 I find to be very, very similar to Laga 16, but while I love PC10, I’m not AS hot for Ledaig and even less for Laga. This is because of how peat presents itself. In some it’s smoke (Laga & Ledaig) while in others it’s more oily-dominant (PC10 and from memory Laphroaig - although it’s been a long while since I had that, and it was a crazy balance of smoke AND oil way back when). I prefer oily to smoky, and I’d go so far as to say that in some - Laga 16 - I find it gives me a touch of indigestion. Ledaig 10 is a smoother finish for me but wanders into that territory (ditto Kilchoman Senaig but the sherry cask finally came through halfway down the bottle). All of that is leading up to the question: is the Ledaig 18 smoke dominant, or oil, or a balance?
Ledaig 18 is probably a bit of both. It's quite a heavy peated 18. A lot of peated 18s get a little bit softer and rounder with time. This is very well integrated and balanced, with both smoke and oil, as you put it, but it's also very bold-flavoured. Big peat, big sherry, and that distinctive "funk."
Thanks G. I realise those may not be widely recognised taste criteria for peat, but it works for me. On the subject of 18s, I was browsing my local internet whisky provider* and saw that Arran 18 has shot up to €180! More than the 21. *Holland
great listings and honest review! thanks. ledaig 18 is also high on my top listings. Personally, I will add Deanston 18 to the listings. it is one of my go-to whisky.
As a fan of your channel and taste, I couldn’t resist of buying Ledaig18 LOL, I love Talisker18, HP18. I haven’t opened it yet but I have good feelings for it. In Korea where I live, HP18 is more cheaper than ledaig18 so I didn’t have the chance, but I had to buy it this time after your review.
Thank you for the list. I was thinking about the Loch Lomond 18 before you revealed it 🤗 I haven't had any of those 18yo on your list. (yet) Maybe someday, or not. Even if I can afford them, I have a hard time convincing myself that putting in that amount of money in a bottle of booze is a sane justifiable thing to do.. 😂🙃 Nevertheless, keep up with your informative and fun reviews. Cheers 🥃
Great list! Though it just made my whiskys "to buy list" grow even longer...thanks... I guess😅 Love the humor as usual! The low volumed "coffee jazz" music works really well in my opinion. I can see a "best of Geoff" bloopers compilation coming in the future 😎😁🥃
@@Gwhisky Tried that same Allardice again... Still amazing but didn't have the same wow factor from when I had first tried it, I guess I got too emotional on that first even time I tried it. Tried a few heavy weights on the same day... Ledaig 18, so amazing I just ordered one for me... Laphroaig Cairdeas Port and Wine, yum... a Laga 12 CS, good stuff (had only tried the 16 and one of the distillers eds), but also my new favorite whisky ever, the Springbank 15. What a day!
Hey Geoff, the Highland Park 18 and Ledaig 18 are similar in price (in fact HP18 is often cheaper) around my area. In this case, do you recommend the HP over the Ledaig? Cheers👍
Sipping a Longmorn 11 yo Indie by Carn Mor, NCF and NC at 47,5% … I agree the Talisker 18 …is very good. I have a second bottle bought in 2021 for 91 euros. Would not buy it today for 185 euros. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and list. Kind regards as always, S.
Thanks for sharing, Geoff. Always interesting and definately some great picks, despite I find myself more and more changing towards IB. If I have to pick 5 18yo OBs: Bunnahabhain, Springbank, Glen Scotia, An Cnoc and Balblair (but I've not rasted the Longmorn, so that might fill in the Balblair spot if I do). And next to that: never came across the Laphroaig, so given my preferences, that would be a great contender. Slàinte mhath
@@doronneuhaus30 You're right... after your comment I checked my admin and mixed them up. So.... Exit Balblair, enter Loch Lomond. (the remarks regarding Longmorn and Laphroaig remain)
@@Gwhisky agree about the amount of sherries, but... hw many non sherried 18yo OB are there. Not many. And most of the older ones tend to be more balanced.
Loch Lomond is great, but my go-to is is Tomatin. These both confus me. Do i like them because they are cheaper or because they are good. The 18 year catagory is the real deal. Thanks for the video
Hah yeah sometimes it's hard to disassociate price and enjoyment. I feel guilty every time I even look at some of my fancy bottles. Drinking them is always fun, but somewhere deep in the back of my mind I'm aware of how much money just passed through my lips. 😬
Nice ! nice ! ------------ My list (5) Arran 18 or Auchentoshan (4) Glen Moray 18 or Glendullan (3) Tomatin 18 or Old PUlteney 18 (2) Jura-18 (Bordeaux Grand Cru cask, 44% Standard Bottling ) ....... and .... #1 ABERLOUR-18
Are you talking about the regular Aberlour 18 or the more recent Double Sherry Cask release? I've had the original, which is nice. The new one I'm told is better still... 🥃
@@Gwhisky yes, the Original pre-2012 full size 750mL --- The double cask from ALL distilleries of late add some honey-sweetness to the underlining aroma: I prefer super-dark bitter chocolatey sherry.
@@ironmantran Good for you! I am also very happy about the whisky in my cabinet. I rarely spend over 100 Euros and many bottles tripled (or more...) in price. As I don't collect but open and drink t at some point I ask myself when the buying time are over. Not willing to overpay.
Ledaig 18, I absolutely agree. One two three doesn't matter. It's a beautiful whiskey, Deanston 18. Underrated should be there, Longmore 18-year-old also underrated, absolutely love AnCnoc 18,Arran 18, Even if price no concern Macallan 18 Cherry oak. One thing everyone should remember everyone's taste buds are different if you like it and it tastes good for you, that's what's best for you.
I wonder if batch variation is a factor in Bunnaabhain 12 as well? Everyone seems to adore it, but my bottle's not doing much for me. Could be it's just not my thing, but I'm a fan of similar whiskies so I've been pretty surprised by it.
Hah well I wanted these to be attainable. SB18, sure. Macallan 18, even though I'm ignoring price, was... just not an option. I've got a few bottles of GlenDronach 18. Good stuff, but I actually prefer the 5 in the vid. Cheers! Great picks, Steven! 🥃
Longrow 18 is an absolute banger. I personally think the 18 is better than the 21. One of my favourite peated 18yo's out there. Really nice list overall.
Well, my favorite 18 is Arran, which only got an honorable mention, but then I only buy non-colored scotch, so my option are much more limited. I’d probably like the Highland Park 18, I’ve just never seen it (didn’t know it existed until now). And I’m not surprised Glendronach 18 didnt make your list, because even though I love their 15-year and 21 year, their 18 year old just has no reason to exist.
Really great list again G!! I'm pretty fortunate to have quite a few of the ones on your list (Talisker and Ancnoc missing, although I have had quite a lot of the Ancnoc). For me, I think the Arran 18 would make my top 5 ahead of the Talisker and Highland Park. I am an Arran Fan Boy though, so might be biased a little. I also bought a bottle of the Longmorn on a whim on special at Duty Free a few weeks ago. Somehow I just can't decide yet if I like it or don't. It's really pleasant but I just can't find anything super special about it. I also recently got a special edition Ledaig 18 that would probably be my number 1 too. A few others that I am either drinking right now or have had in the past few weeks: 1. Springbank 18 (2022) - this one is scary good and the best Springbank I have had in years. Price and availability just makes it unaffordable and unobtainable so it wouldn't make my top 5 but is one of the best whiskies I've had in the past few years. A complete departure from the older lighter and more floral 18's and a return to the big, funky and meaty Springbank. 2. Glendronach 18 (2017) - maybe a little unfair that I am enjoying some of Billy walker's finest. But the last few 18's he produced at Glendronach must be the best 18YO whisky you'll ever drink. 3. Glen Scotia 18 - has similarities to the Loch Lomond but adds a level of depth and complexity that is missing in the LL. Really great stuff. 4. Glenallachie 18 - if you like sherried whisky, you'll like this one. Can't wait for the first older GA's to be released where Billy Walker has had control of the entire process from spirit to bottle.
The Longmorn 18 was one I struggled with initially too. I've found the more recent batches to be much more robust and consistent. The earlier ones had more of a fleeting appeal. You could tell they were quality, but depending on your mood you may or may not connect with them. Still, very good stuff. You've got some great ones on the go! Love SB 18, of course. I've got a Walker Glendronach 18 and a Scotia 18 on the go as well. Both good, but neither would be top 5 picks for me. Glenallachie 18 is one I keep hearing about. I've not seen it in my market in a long time, but I'll definitely have to grab it the next time I see it. Cheers! 🥃
I have a lot to say on this concept. Apologies in advance. I have put before my fellow brethren of the auspicious NBWC (well I’m trying to big them up, despite they’re general attempt to keep below the radar) in two separate blind tastings of four each, totalling eight horizontal 18yos (OB). They have tasted and scored them blind. I have tasted and scored them sighted (if you see what I mean). Our eclectic marks (in the order I served the whiskies) did not reflect my predictions, or prejudices: Tasting 1: Deanston 86 Loch Lomond 84.3 Springbank 90 Caol Ila 85.7 Tasting 2: AnCnoc 82 Longmorn 90.3 Talisker 88.3 Longrow 84.8 I plan a third and (because they won’t read this comment) I can tell you that in the running are: Tasting 3: Aberlour, Bunnahabhain, Ledaig and Laphroaig, but that is in a distant future, and we’ve lots of independent bottlers to keep us busy until then. May I point out that I have a Bunnahabhain 18 on the go at the moment and it is very sherried, very dark and very bad. I bought it from Auction, it was bottled in 2013 and it turns out it has holidayed in Belarus before it returned to Scotland. Rhymes with Balfy would say “buyer beware, buyer take care”. It is not worthy of putting before the August membership of the NBWC, so I’ll wait until it has evaporated and uncork a later (but not recent - old prices in my stash) bottle for them. Additionally, I have drunk plenty AnCnoc 18s and the one I served the venerable membership of the NBWC was decidedly stinky compared with all the other ones I’ve ever got through and loved. There is batch variation everywhere, and we should rejoice that there is. So, I’m still happily buying AnCnocs, SBs (subject to availability) and Caol Ilas. Longmorn is very worthy of its status in GWhisky top 5, oh yes. I have a case of Bunna 18s in the stash, and spares of most others. Ledaig always on the go - love it. I won’t buy any more Talisker 18 at current prices. No rush for another Loch L, Arran, Auchentoshan, Dalmore or Deanston. What I’d most love to see (after World Peace, Malaria defeated and Scottish ferries returned to secure sailings) is Bowmore 18, casked in bourbon and at a reasonable ABV. But now I’ve moved away from my remit, and started dreaming. (But if you share my dream, SMWS is well worth watching out for, and raiding the cookie jar and stealing the kids’ piggy banks for). The Highland Park is not a distillery I engage with, because … because … of all the silly names and sillier packaging. Sorry, but that’s how it is.
Happy to see the Longmorn got some love in tasting 2. Springbank 18 didn't surprise at the top of tasting 1. Curious to hear how the third tasting goes! I've had some Bunna 18s that I'd rank among my favourite OB expressions that I've tried, so that bottle I had a few months back was quite a shocker. The newer one, as I said, is back on form, but still not as great as it once was. Batchy batchy. Glad you're giving Caol Ila some love. And I get why HP and Talisker are no-gos. 🥃
Very good list Geoff! 18s are increasingly out of reach but I always try to find the money for Bunnahabhain. Ledaig 18 is getting higher up the priority list same with Arran. I would say Springbank and Longrow are favourites but what’s the frikkin point at this point.
@@Gwhisky I was one of those that got their panties in a bunch when Balfy slated the Bunna 18. He gave Aultmore 18 a higher malt mark, I mean the nerve!….
Arran 18....... used to be a big advocate of the tomatin 18, not so sure now... still very good mind you but seems a different style than most. TBH 18yo isnt a age i gravitate to, prob becuase its that jump in price.... plenty of 15-16 yo in my collection but then older things get very scarce on the shelves... Another good vid G. 🤟
I agree. So many people here are suggesting Tomatin 18. I've got one on the go. It's very nice, but tbh it was never a consideration for the top 5. Likely not even top 10. Seems we're missing something with that one. Yeah... I'm definitely gravitating less and less to 18 year olds myself. Cheers! 🥃
I really want a bottle of the Ledaig 18. Talisker 18, Highland Park 18 travel exclusive, and Glendronach 18 are definitely my top 3 as of now. I forgot to add I have only tried the new bottling of Talisker 18. I have one of the old, but don't want to open it because I love the old style labels. The new labels look so modern and tacky. From the new label Talisker 18 it's very fruit (orchard and fresh berries), with some brininess and smokiness. It's like eating berries that have been salted and smoked. Delicious! Glad I found a big box store that had the old price listed. Might have overstocked on it, but well worth it!
Glad to hear the new Talisker 18 is good. I'd be curious to do a side-by-side between the old and new, but I can appreciate wanting to hold on to the older label. As for the labels, I didn't really care when they switched the 10 around (although it's admittedly tacky), but for an 18 I'm no fan of the new label. The old 18 label looked sophisticated, while the new one looks cartoonish. Doesn't suit the premium age/price. Cheers! 🥃
@@Gwhisky When I saw the new Talisker 10 label I cringed. Whenever I went to a liquor store I always checked for at least one bottle with the old label for my collection and display. Finally found one after 6 months of searching. Might have to get an old label distiller's edition just to have as well
Arran 18, Speyburn 18, Ledaig 18, Springbank 18 (no duh), Bunna 18 (depending). Also funny that the auto-text generator on the red progress line says "Number 1 - Legend 18" instead of Ledaig....that could work still....Ha
A good No. 1 but some far better ones not mentioned IMO. Such as Laphroaig 18 ( hard to find now ) Glendronach 18, Caol Ila 18 and Glenallachie 18, with finally Longrow 18.
Big fan of Caol Ila 18. That was was considered for the list. Glendronach 18 is good, but I'm a bit off of big sherry these days, personally. Laphroaig and Longrow are both excellent, but not easy to get nowadays. That Glenallachie has been recommended several times in the comments... definitely one I need to try! 🥃
I haven’t tried the Longmorn or Ledaig (seems I’m missing out!). That said, my list of 18s would be: 5. Deanston 4. Glengoyne (I know, I know it’s only 43%!) 3. Ancnoc 2. Arran 1. Glenallachie (my favourite whiskey of 2022). What’s on your bucket list of 18s to try still?
Heh...No, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I have a bottle of Ledaig 10 because of you. It's okay, but not top tier in my opinions (it's the peat...I don't like their peat. I'm a PC10 guy, or Benro15 guy, when it comes to peat). I'm spiraling in on my 70th birthday and I've been frontloading by picking up some more aged expressions (for me) for the anniversary. I cast around, looking at various 18 and 21 year old offerings. Curiously, my list looked nothing like yours. I think it is because I tend to be more 'value oriented' when considering such a decision. Also, at the time I had NO 18 year old expressions at all. The elder in my cabinet was Lagavulin 16. I did consider Highland Park 18, given that maybe, just maybe, this time, by going the extra dollars, I might actually recapture that 'lilting wisp of peat' that I had tasted in passing with a bottle of their Einar. But the cost, and the distrust, crossed them off the list. Others on my list were Old Pulteney 18, GlenDronach 18, Deanston 18, and Oban 18. GlenDronach was deemed too expensive for the category. Oban was in the window, but my ho-hum experience with Little Bay augured against it. Those with better 'value' messages were Old Pulteney and Deanston. So, considering how pleased I was with Deanston 12, and how they hued a closer line to ralfy's 'integrity malts', I leaned to it. Then, I did the price search. YOW! For what I was considering spending for an 18 year old bottle, I could get not one, but two bottles of Deanston 18 with just a smidge more dinero. Talk about pricing for value. So, I now have two bottles of Deanston 18, now my most aged elder malts, in my selection awaiting opening at whatever passes for my celebration. (Along with the Springbank 15 that I recently corraled by taking a field trip outta state, and the Glenmo Signet I have yet to purchase.)
@@elduderino3120 I've been using a bottle of Laphroaig 10 CS as a warning to nOObs. I offer it around with whispers of how widely single malts can vary. Responses to it are very telling. To me, it reeks of creosote. Bunker oil in bilgewater. I used to avoid peat entirely, under the misconception that it was all like that; all the same. It isn't. Highland Park was intimation that there was something else, something better, out there. Benromach was more evidence. Port Charlotte 10 was the confirmation for me. It's an Islay single malt, but unlike most of the other Islay peated, I could not only tolerate it, I enjoyed it. Then, I found out that they trucked the peat in from Aberdeenshire, across the country. It's not Islay peat at all. Look for the peat that suits you.
Deanston 18 is fantastic stuff. I was considering that as my bang-for-buck mystery pour. Really good. The SB15 is nice... big sherry there. The Glenmo Signet is amazing stuff. Pricey for sure, but a stunner. Perhaps on your 70th you could put all three in a blender? 😂😂😂
I understand where you are coming from with your list, except the Talisker 18. It's bottled at 45.8% abv but really heavily chilled filtered. They've stripped the life from it. I have been drinking Talisker since the early 1990s and if you have ever seen review tasting notes from that time then believe me, when they said Talisker was like sea spray and black pepper, it really was. The 10 and 18 are shadows of what Talisker used to be and as such, even at half the price, I would give it a miss. Instead, search out old bottles from 90s and early 2000s on auction of 10 YO and 57 Degrees North. My top 5 would be: Honorary mention. *The Laphroaig 18* , 48% abv. Long since discontinued but a wonderfully sophisticated and elegant version Laphroaig. When I heard it was to be discontinued back in 2016, I bought up some bottles. Well worth it. *5. Deanston 18* A clean, full flavoured and classic First-Fill Ex-Bourbon matured experience. Never disappoints. *4. Loch Lomond 18* A delicious balance of maltiness, Spices, oak, honey and shortcake biscuit. This is tartan in a bottle. *3. Glenmorangie 18* 43% (Old bottling from 1990s to 2005). Yes, I know it's been discontinued for decades but it's still available in specialist stores and at around £200, it's about the same price as some new 18 Year olds. Lush yellow fruits like melon, pineapple, apples, with rich honey cake and spices. If you don't believe that whisky continues to mature in the bottle, you must try this. Yummy stuff. *2. Glencadam 18* This is Glencadam 10 with the volume turned up to maximum. A big nose and mouth feel of honey and vanilla cake, loads of spices, milk chocolate, gooseberries and kiwi. *1. Caol Ila 18* Yes, it's bottled at 43%. Yes, it's chill filtered and probably coloured.......but for me.... It's the taste of Heaven. The 12 has more peat smoke punch and a hint of yellow apples and citrus lemon fruits. With the 18, the peat, though very much still there, is now contributing big bold BBQ flavours to the luscious yellow fruits like peaches, pineapple, melon, cooked lemon and heather honey. I cannot praise this highly enough. Over the years, it's been incredibly consistent. I cannot remember ever having had a bad batch of this and it has been a must have in my open bottles collection since it first came out on the market. Get it while you can as it has just been discontinued. (I am heart broken). By the way, I do not recommend the Caol Ila 25. The 18 is the best balance of the peat and fruits in my opinion. With the 25, the peat is an ashy remnant of its former self and those once luscious ripe yellow fruits have all gone dry. Premium price for an inferior product. BTW, The Caol Ila 18 Unpeated tastes like a 3 year old. Avoid it!
Good picks. I'm a fan of all of those. Glencadam 18 is sadly one that's not sold in my market. I'd definitely grab a bottle if I came across it. Laphroaig 18 is sorely missed... 🥃
What do you think of Arran 18?! It's available in my state and I'm considering buying it, I usually never buy 18, I'm more of a proof hound and seek cask strength over age.
In one or more of your vid's I believe I've heard you say you were based in Taiwan. So, I don't know from where you are, but here in the US, I do find the Highland Park 18 TE "particularly hard to find". I do a fair amount of retail shopping from the UK. Perhaps I haven't looked in the right place?? Thanks G.
Ah I should have clarified that it's a travel retail exclusive. It's easy to find in airports, but most standard retailers might not carry it. So easy to find if you're traveling, which is an annoying requirement. 🥃
Interesting choices....I had the 12yr Highland Park last night.....compared to the 10, it's better but only by a fractions.....I've still got a bottle of the original Longmorn 16 - that thing is all time greatness.....funnily though, my mate (large whisky collection), doesn't rate it...Ive had the Talisker 18 and remember it being real good.
Yeah Longmorn is a tough sell for some. I know a lot of enthusiasts who love it, and a select few who don't. One of those profiles, I guess. Cheers Andy! 🥃
Talisker 18 year pricing in my area didn't go up in some stores. They have it for $132 to $155 USD. I'm done with Bunna 18 year because now it is min $230 USD. I'm surprised Glen Scotia 18 year didn't make it to this list. I like that one a lot. I was able to scoop it up for $99 plus tax.
Damn that's a fantastic price! If you're a fan, I'd suggest you grab it while you can. It's selling for much more than that in most markets nowadays. Bunna, on the other hand, is definitely a pass at that price. Glen Scotia 18 is fantastic stuff, but the competition was pretty stiff. Cheers Dean! 🥃
Ledaig 18 is the best whisky on my shelf (and I have some decent ones). The new and lighter Arran 18 is disappointing btw in case someone considers getting it.
Damn i got to get the other highland park 18 the standard one i like less than the 12 i find the 18 mutes what i like while adding a slight woody flavor which is pleasant but not what i like
It’s not just bunna Ardbeg laphroaig and I’m sure there are others. I think Balfy is right they are using casks that have been used too much or just not as good casks.
Both Ancnoc and Arran would be top 5 for me, if Arran were available/affordable. HP is a solid dram as is Ledaig. I would add Deanston, Glencadam or Aultmore in there too, sort of Top 10 five whiskies 😁 On value alone Ancnoc, Deanston or Tomatin. Need to get me a Bunna. Thx.
Great picks! Haven't had the Glencadam 18... sadly not available here. Deanston was in consideration for my mystery pour. Fantastic stuff and great bang-for-buck. Cheers Neill! 🥃
I have had the new Talisker bottles. I'm very torn about them. I have always been a fan of Talisker but I saw some issues. New Talisker tastes and smells less peated, and the artificial coloring got more obvious, possibly because of the new bottle decorations and colors, which I hate. The only thing that improved was the sweetness. There seems to be a stronger apple flavor. Talisker needs to stop over doing the artificial coloring and just try natural color, and they need to go back to their classic bottle designs that looked far more elegant. The commercial artist they hired needs to be sacked.
My first bottle of Bunnahabhain 12 was a catastrophic experience. It tasted like a 46% port wine. I even checked the label if I didn´t buy the wrong bottle. I couldn´t understand all the reviews talking about smooth nutty notes. Than I tasted a different bottle and it was there. They´re kinda famous for their inconsistency. And...I´ll wonder who the famous RUclipsr is for the rest of my life... :)
Yeah Bunna isn't the most consistent brand, especially with the 12. I didn't realize that was an issue with the 18 until recently. I buy the 18 far less often, for obvious reasons. Oh, well... 🥃
Great list Geoff, have you tried Glenallachie 18 or Tamdhu 18? Both excellent. Jerry and I did a bracket buster 18 year scotch blind tournament. We were surprised by the results.
Hey Rob. I've had the Tamdhu, which was excellent. A bit overpriced here, but really good. Haven't had the Glenallachie 18 in years. Really tough to find in Taiwan but I'll have to keep a lookout for it. Cheers! 🥃
Happy your nr 1 is also the most affordable on the list😅
Nice list! I would add Deanston 18 to that as well. I thought it was fantastic. Cheers!
Deanston 18 is fantastic. It was considered for my bang-for-buck mystery pour! 🥃
THIS is what I’ve been waiting for!!!
😂😂😂
Great list Geoff. One 18 yr old thats probably under the radar and doesn’t get talked about much is Tomatin 18, a good malt that I like at a price of €80 where I am . My local drinks shop has got Talisker 18 at €210, nearly fell over backwards from laughing 😂talk about taking the pi.. , slàinte Geoff. PS, anConc18 , love the stuff.
Hah yeah Talisker at €210 is a joke. Not even close to worth that much. Luckily I got my bottle through an exchange a while ago before the prices went haywire. I've got a Tomatin 18 on the go. Good stuff. Cheers David! 🥃
Got to agree. The Tomatin 18 is a nice honest and well priced sherried 18. Not in my top 5 - 8 but never a disappointment when I drink it.
Can't believe that nobody at all mentioned "Speyburn 18" A brilliant deep,dark all natural sherried dram.With a brilliant price tag as well 80-90€ here in Germany..
That one's been ordered and I'm expecting it in the coming week. Looking forward to trying it! 🥃
Not easy to find in Australia, about to drop my review of the 15 next. I have a bottle of the 18 too, but yet to open it.
Greetings from germany as well. I fully agree with you on the speyburn 18. really love it and i like the profile even more than ancnoc 18 and it's cheaper than ancnoc 18.
Yeeesss! Been looking forward to this one!!🎉
Videos are supposed to start with "what's up guys, welcome to Gwhisky, my name's Geoff." All my other subscriptions start their videos this way, which is a little weird, but that's how it's done. I fear change. Change is bad. It's like batch variation.
This guy Gwhisky’s
😂 so true
Change is humiliation (förändring är förnedring)
Haven't seen the Longmorn 18 in the wild yet in California. Still see the 16 on the shelf all over. Big fan of both your honorable mentions. Cheers
Same here. It has to be trucked in via parcel delivery after online ordering.
Other 18s worth mentioning, deanston 18 of course. Speyburn 18 is another solid, good value whisky. Tamdhu 18 and Old pultney 18 would be worth mentioning as well. And then, Caperdonich 18. That is an absolute beauty! Strongly recommended.
Speaking of batch variation, Ledaig 18 has that as well. I have had 3 bottles so far, each with a different color and discernable differences in flavor. However, they are all pretty good.
Bunna 18 sadly is a little all over the place.
Finally, if price isnt a factor, Springbank 18 and Longrow 18 are both just divine.
Tamdhu is crazy expensive here. I've had a sample and found it to be very good, but I can't say I'm familiar with it. Speyburn I'll be trying this week, as I've got one on order. Pulteney 18 is nice stuff, but for me it wouldn't be a top 5 or even 10 in the category. Springbank and Longrow are of course fantastic, but they're also not widely available at MSRP, unfortunately. Great suggestions! 🥃
Solid list Geoff, I would have booted the HP and included GlenDronach 18 instead. I also like Glengoyne 18 even though it's chill filtered and only 43% ABV I still enjoy it.
Both excellent picks. Big fan of the GlenDronach. The Glengoyne 18 is one I've tried, but it's been ages. Should come back to that one. Cheers Wade! 🥃
Agree with Glendronach 18
Loved the travel Exclusive black bottle HP 18; free with Silver Spirits package on Viking River Cruise. I did buy the Loch Lomond for $80 in January - good value.
Yeah I remember you mentioned that. Great deal. I'd have no problem drinking that stuff back for a couple weeks! 🥃
@@GwhiskyI know that also the old 18 year old Highland Park from like 2005 or maybe 2006 is a little better than the 2017 or maybe 2018 18 year old Viking Pride Highland Park
Thanks mate - excellent rating!
I especially like what it has Longmorn (perhaps one of the few whiskeys for intelligent people 🙂)
Shalom 👋🏻
Nah.. Longmorn can't be for intelligent people because I like it. 😉
Shalom Ron! 🥃
Solid, solid list Geoff! I always found Talisker 18 a bit overrated regardless of the price. I think I like my Taliskers young although the 25 was absolutely beautiful but I do enjoy having a kidney so I won't be buying that anytime soon.
Loch Lomond 18 is a fantastic bang for buck and either of your honorable mentions would make me very happy 😃 Cheers Geoff🥃
Agreed!
Hi Geoff ! My favorite Tali , HP, Bunna and Arran ) good choice .Cheers !
A man of good taste, you are. Cheers Light! 🥃
@@Gwhisky thanks my friend )
Great list👍🏻
Missing the GlenAllachie 18y though which i think beat all on your list😬
I've not tried the GA18. I hear it's become much better in recent years. Hard to find, that one. Thanks for the suggestion! 🥃
Solid choices Geoff. Mine would be a top three, since my budget is limited, and I've only bought these as rare treats over the past few years. 3.Arran 2.AnCnoc and my No1 Deanston.
Great picks! Deanston was almost my bang-for-buck mystery pour! 🥃
Great picks all 5 lovely Drams do like Deanston 18 and jura 18 and Tamdhu 18
Deanston was in consideration for my mystery pour. Great whisky and great value. Tamdhu is CRAZY overpriced in my market. I really want to try it, but the price it prohibitive. I've not tried the Jura yet. Interesting picks! Cheers Liam! 🥃
Great video G! Recently bought LL 18 for $80 here in US. I may have mentioned this before but Glen Moray 18 is outrageous especially for under 100! Natural presentation in only first fill Bourbon casks. Eric Wait reviewed it last year and was blown away as well. Best release by former Master Distiller Graham Coull before he left to Dinkel in Ireland.
I got my LL 18 for $80 at Costco!
I've got a bottle of the Moray on the go. Good stuff! Not quite a top 5 contender for me personally, but definitely a nice one and great value. Easily the best Moray I've had. Cheesr Neal! 🥃
Fantastic list of 18 yo's Geoff. The mystery pour LL18 sounds very interesting and in affordable category.
Thanks buddy! Yeah LL18 is good stuff. Not best of the best, but it's a banger for the price and my favourite from the brand. Cheers! 🥃
Such an interesting video mate! My all time favourite core range 18 YO is the GlenDronach 18 and the bunnahabhain 18 comes in the second place! Can you please name which bunnahabhain 18 batch year was bad and which ones were good? Cheers from Lebanon 🥃
Oof! We already finished our last bottle (the bad one). I don't recall what batch it was. The newer one is at my friend's place (bottle split). I'll have to check the code this Saturday when I visit. If memory serves, though, it was a 2022 release. Cheers! 🥃
Glendroch 18, yessss! Awesome stuff.
Great list Geoff, with a great number one.
Seems the time has come to open mine also ........
Go for it! 🥃
Hey Geoff, here I was afraid you were going to present a list of which I had not tried ANY whisky yet - until you included the Talisker 18. Phew! Looks like you overlooked (or never tried?) the most obviously best 18yo, which is the Laphroaig 18. Cheers!
Hah well I was sticking to whiskies that are currently available, but I did enjoy the Laphroaig 18. Been a few years since I last had it, though. The 16 is fantastic. Have you tried it? 🥃
@@Gwhisky well, the Laphroaig 18 is still available in some shops. Don’t ask at which prices though. I was not aware there was a 16. Seems not available in my market 😢
As much as I will hate to admit it, I would probably include Talisker 18 in my list. Definitely would put Glen Scotia 18 & Loch Lomond 18 on it and probably the Bunna 18 & Ledaig 18. Cheers to another great list.
I'm not a fan of Talisker because of its peating, but I wonder at 18 years what that peating would be like. I'd certainly like to taste it. I bought a bottle of Lagavulin 16 on the understanding that the peating would be suppressed due to its aging. It was. I can willingly drink Lag16, even though I don't care for the peating, because what they wrap around that peating renders it more interesting than annoying. I should look for this on offer where I can get a tot.
Glen Scotia as beautiful stuff. Didn't quite make the cut but I enjoyed my last bottle immensely.
@kellywellington7122 - Talisker 18 is more subdued than the 10. Very gentle and sophisticated imo. Not as peaty as the Laga 16, if that helps. 🥃
@@Gwhisky agreed. The peak intensity for Talisker is probably around 15 years old. Becoming mature and still keeping the fierce furor of the young ages.
Great list. Thanks for sharing and I would like any of these. Cheers!
Cheers right back at you! 🥃
Another great review, Geoff. I have the Longmorn 18 and the Ledaig 18 unopened in my collection. That status is likely to change tomorrow when my son arrives from London and begins regaling me with his adventures in California and Oregon. AnCnoc 18, Highland Park 18 and Talisker 18 are on my wishlist, but it may be some time before I get around to them. We'll see. Slainte!🥃
Sounds like you're going to have a great time, Victor. Some great whiskies and a reunion with family. The stuff that makes life worth living! 🥃
No Caol Ila 18 mmm🤔 but wait its extra Bunnahabhain 18 😅. Lovely stuff Goeff. All Drams to die for!! We all need some guilty pleasures sometimes so...🤷♂️ 👍😁🥂🙋🏻♂️
Caol Ila 18 is a beauty, actually. It'd definitely be in the top 10. 🥃
Fantastic review ❤ Keep it up 💪🏻.
By the way, how's the new Ledaig 18 compare to batch 3 18yo you reviewed 2 years back?
Aroma & palate similar still or differ by much?
To be honest I like both about equally. I haven't done a side-by-side, but going off of memory, they're bot top-tier 18s and I didn't notice a dip in quality after they standardized the release. 🥃
I'm drinking the Longmorn now - fantastic!
Glad you're enjoying it. Beautiful stuff! 🥃
Have only tried Arran 18 from these. I would love to see some bourbon reviews, even cheap ones. Thanks for video 🎉
Thanks for watching! 🥃
Of course it is!
Glenfiddich is my favourite ❤
I just learned that Duty Free at Tokyo and Osaka airports have Yamazaki 18 for a mere 50,000 yen ($400) which you can apply for online. A solid list Geoff! I'm curious to hear your thoughts on the Yamazaki 18.
I tried to buy a Yamazaki in Tokyo when I visted a few months back, but sadly they only had the Hibiki 21 left in stock. Grabbed 2! 🥃
I still have to buy one. I was thinking of the Arran 18
Bunnahabhain 18 is so good it gets the #5 & #4 slot!!!!! 😂😂😂
😂😂😂
I think my favorite is not actually an 18 but is close enough so but the latest batch (Batch 4) of Traigh Bhan from Ardbeg was fantastic its a 19 yr whiskey so close enough it would be followed by
Glendronach 18
Bowmore 18
Glenmorangie 18 Azuma Makoto Edition
Tomatin 18
I think Tomatin 18 is severly underrated especially for its price i only paid $100 for it and its a fantastic deal and a great great Oloroso Sherry finished whiskey
By the way, gotta give you credit on Loch Lomond 18. Had the 12 year a few years back. Great bang for the buck that I immediately jumped on the 18 year not too long after.👍👍
Deanston and Ledaig are my two top 18 yo bottles
Great ones! 🥃
Happy to see i have most in your list. Ancnoc 18, Bunna 18, HP18 TR, Talisker 18 and Ledaig 18. I do have Arran 18 but only the old bottle and still looking for the new one. I have not encountered yet the Longmorn 18 as its not fairly available here much like the new Arran 18 i'll keep an eye on Loch Lomond 18. Thanks for the list but its just the middle of year. I think we are expecting an updated list by end of year haha!
Hah there will be a premium whisky of the year at year's end. Not sure if anything here will make an appearance, though. 😉
Thanks for watching, buddy! 🥃
Damnit I was quite happily writing some of these off for differing reasons (Bunna unreliable; HP cost, Talisker even more so and I bet the quality has diminished too), but the Longmorn & Ledaig interest me.
Ledaig 10 I find to be very, very similar to Laga 16, but while I love PC10, I’m not AS hot for Ledaig and even less for Laga. This is because of how peat presents itself. In some it’s smoke (Laga & Ledaig) while in others it’s more oily-dominant (PC10 and from memory Laphroaig - although it’s been a long while since I had that, and it was a crazy balance of smoke AND oil way back when). I prefer oily to smoky, and I’d go so far as to say that in some - Laga 16 - I find it gives me a touch of indigestion. Ledaig 10 is a smoother finish for me but wanders into that territory (ditto Kilchoman Senaig but the sherry cask finally came through halfway down the bottle).
All of that is leading up to the question: is the Ledaig 18 smoke dominant, or oil, or a balance?
Ledaig 18 is probably a bit of both. It's quite a heavy peated 18. A lot of peated 18s get a little bit softer and rounder with time. This is very well integrated and balanced, with both smoke and oil, as you put it, but it's also very bold-flavoured. Big peat, big sherry, and that distinctive "funk."
Thanks G. I realise those may not be widely recognised taste criteria for peat, but it works for me.
On the subject of 18s, I was browsing my local internet whisky provider* and saw that Arran 18 has shot up to €180! More than the 21.
*Holland
great listings and honest review! thanks. ledaig 18 is also high on my top listings. Personally, I will add Deanston 18 to the listings. it is one of my go-to whisky.
Deanston 18 was considered for my mystery pour. Great whisky and great value! 🥃
Great list. I need to try that Longmorn! Cheers G
Hah cheers buddy. Longmorn is fantastic, definitely worth a go! 🥃
Great stuff! Didn’t Deanston 18 deserve an honourable mention?
As a fan of your channel and taste, I couldn’t resist of buying Ledaig18 LOL, I love Talisker18, HP18. I haven’t opened it yet but I have good feelings for it. In Korea where I live, HP18 is more cheaper than ledaig18 so I didn’t have the chance, but I had to buy it this time after your review.
I'm sure you'll enjoy it. It's a great whisky! 🥃
Thank you for the list. I was thinking about the Loch Lomond 18 before you revealed it 🤗
I haven't had any of those 18yo on your list. (yet) Maybe someday, or not. Even if I can afford them, I have a hard time convincing myself that putting in that amount of money in a bottle of booze is a sane justifiable thing to do.. 😂🙃
Nevertheless, keep up with your informative and fun reviews. Cheers 🥃
I just put a bundle into a bottle of Springbank 15. I suspect it is nuts, but FOMO, y'know...
Great list! Though it just made my whiskys "to buy list" grow even longer...thanks... I guess😅
Love the humor as usual! The low volumed "coffee jazz" music works really well in my opinion. I can see a "best of Geoff" bloopers compilation coming in the future 😎😁🥃
Hah I wish I kept all my blooper footage. To be honest, it would probably just be a 10 minute video of me f**king up my lines then cursing. 😂😂😂
@@Gwhisky That could be a good Patreon exclusive video 😂 Although it maybe be a crime to deprive the RUclips world of that gem 😁🥃
Speyburn 18 is pretty darn good
I've got a bottle on the way... not in just yet. Looking forward to it! 🥃
GlenDronach 18 Allardice. Nectar of life (didn’t try the newer bottles though)
I've got an older BW Glendronach 18 on the go. Great stuff, although a bit heavy on the casks to break the top 5 for me. Great sherry bomb, though! 🥃
@@Gwhisky Tried that same Allardice again... Still amazing but didn't have the same wow factor from when I had first tried it, I guess I got too emotional on that first even time I tried it. Tried a few heavy weights on the same day... Ledaig 18, so amazing I just ordered one for me... Laphroaig Cairdeas Port and Wine, yum... a Laga 12 CS, good stuff (had only tried the 16 and one of the distillers eds), but also my new favorite whisky ever, the Springbank 15. What a day!
Hey Geoff, the Highland Park 18 and Ledaig 18 are similar in price (in fact HP18 is often cheaper) around my area. In this case, do you recommend the HP over the Ledaig? Cheers👍
Is it the black bottle HP18 at 46%? If not, I'd go Ledaig. 🥃
@@Gwhisky ah yes I’ve forgotten to mention, yes its the black travel exclusive HP18
Hmm. I might go for the HP myself, but you really can't lose here... 🥃
@@Gwhisky thanks a bunch Geoff👍
Can't believe that Glendronach 18 is not there. I personally would have it at number 2.
Sipping a Longmorn 11 yo Indie by Carn Mor, NCF and NC at 47,5% … I agree the Talisker 18 …is very good. I have a second bottle bought in 2021 for 91 euros. Would not buy it today for 185 euros. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and list. Kind regards as always, S.
Nice! So many great Longmorn IBs out there! Agree about the Talisker price. Shame. Beautiful whisky. Thanks for watching, buddy! 🥃
Hello Geoff,
i would put Glen Scotia on that List too.
😉
Glen Scotia 18 is a beauty! Didn't quite break the top 5, but I agree it's fantastic! 🥃
Thanks for sharing, Geoff.
Always interesting and definately some great picks, despite I find myself more and more changing towards IB.
If I have to pick 5 18yo OBs: Bunnahabhain, Springbank, Glen Scotia, An Cnoc and Balblair (but I've not rasted the Longmorn, so that might fill in the Balblair spot if I do). And next to that: never came across the Laphroaig, so given my preferences, that would be a great contender.
Slàinte mhath
I was so disappointed with the Balblair 18. Felt it didn't come close to the quality of their older vintaged stuff.
@@doronneuhaus30 You're right... after your comment I checked my admin and mixed them up. So....
Exit Balblair, enter Loch Lomond. (the remarks regarding Longmorn and Laphroaig remain)
The Laphroaig 18 was a beauty and I've not doubt you would have loved it! Interesting picks. A lot of sherry for the likes of you! 🥃
@@Gwhisky agree about the amount of sherries, but... hw many non sherried 18yo OB are there. Not many. And most of the older ones tend to be more balanced.
One of the best value whiskies i have ever had is the bunnahabhain stiuireadair, its cheap and delicious
Loch lomond 18 was my first 18yo SM! It's very interesting
Agree. Interesting stuff! 🥃
Loch Lomond is great, but my go-to is is Tomatin.
These both confus me. Do i like them because they are cheaper or because they are good.
The 18 year catagory is the real deal. Thanks for the video
Hah yeah sometimes it's hard to disassociate price and enjoyment. I feel guilty every time I even look at some of my fancy bottles. Drinking them is always fun, but somewhere deep in the back of my mind I'm aware of how much money just passed through my lips. 😬
I am not sure about top 5 but Tomatin (in my market at least) should be in the hunt for best value/budget 18's. Nice list. Cheers.
Tomatin seems to be coming up a lot in the comments. It's good! 🥃
Nice ! nice ! ------------ My list (5) Arran 18 or Auchentoshan (4) Glen Moray 18 or Glendullan (3) Tomatin 18 or Old PUlteney 18 (2) Jura-18 (Bordeaux Grand Cru cask, 44% Standard Bottling ) ....... and .... #1 ABERLOUR-18
Aberlour 18 is in the group but it is so annoying with the 0,5 litre bottle. That's cheating.
@@Eunegin23 Agreed. Luckily, my pre-2012 stocks are all 750mL
Are you talking about the regular Aberlour 18 or the more recent Double Sherry Cask release? I've had the original, which is nice. The new one I'm told is better still... 🥃
@@Gwhisky yes, the Original pre-2012 full size 750mL --- The double cask from ALL distilleries of late add some honey-sweetness to the underlining aroma: I prefer super-dark bitter chocolatey sherry.
@@ironmantran Good for you! I am also very happy about the whisky in my cabinet. I rarely spend over 100 Euros and many bottles tripled (or more...) in price. As I don't collect but open and drink t at some point I ask myself when the buying time are over. Not willing to overpay.
How about Glendronach 18? Just curious, does your list take price into consideration?
Ledaig 18, I absolutely agree. One two three doesn't matter. It's a beautiful whiskey, Deanston 18. Underrated should be there, Longmore 18-year-old also underrated, absolutely love AnCnoc 18,Arran 18, Even if price no concern Macallan 18 Cherry oak. One thing everyone should remember everyone's taste buds are different if you like it and it tastes good for you, that's what's best for you.
Absolutely agree on the last point! 🥃
There is a Cherry 🍒 Oak M. ?? 😜
@@Balkonwhisky 🤣🤣🤣
I wonder if batch variation is a factor in Bunnaabhain 12 as well? Everyone seems to adore it, but my bottle's not doing much for me. Could be it's just not my thing, but I'm a fan of similar whiskies so I've been pretty surprised by it.
Nice list. If price doesn’t matter: Springbank 18, Longrow 18, Bunna 18, Macallan 18, Glendronach 18. But prices always matters so: Bunna 18, Ledaig 18, Glen Scotia 18, Glenallachie 18 and Old Pulteney 18
Hah well I wanted these to be attainable. SB18, sure. Macallan 18, even though I'm ignoring price, was... just not an option. I've got a few bottles of GlenDronach 18. Good stuff, but I actually prefer the 5 in the vid. Cheers! Great picks, Steven! 🥃
Longrow 18 is an absolute banger. I personally think the 18 is better than the 21. One of my favourite peated 18yo's out there.
Really nice list overall.
Well, my favorite 18 is Arran, which only got an honorable mention, but then I only buy non-colored scotch, so my option are much more limited. I’d probably like the Highland Park 18, I’ve just never seen it (didn’t know it existed until now). And I’m not surprised Glendronach 18 didnt make your list, because even though I love their 15-year and 21 year, their 18 year old just has no reason to exist.
Right there with you! Arran 18 is my favorite in this list. I love the Ledaig 10 but the 18 has a burnt rubber note for me that I just can’t get past.
Really great list again G!! I'm pretty fortunate to have quite a few of the ones on your list (Talisker and Ancnoc missing, although I have had quite a lot of the Ancnoc). For me, I think the Arran 18 would make my top 5 ahead of the Talisker and Highland Park. I am an Arran Fan Boy though, so might be biased a little.
I also bought a bottle of the Longmorn on a whim on special at Duty Free a few weeks ago. Somehow I just can't decide yet if I like it or don't. It's really pleasant but I just can't find anything super special about it.
I also recently got a special edition Ledaig 18 that would probably be my number 1 too.
A few others that I am either drinking right now or have had in the past few weeks:
1. Springbank 18 (2022) - this one is scary good and the best Springbank I have had in years. Price and availability just makes it unaffordable and unobtainable so it wouldn't make my top 5 but is one of the best whiskies I've had in the past few years. A complete departure from the older lighter and more floral 18's and a return to the big, funky and meaty Springbank.
2. Glendronach 18 (2017) - maybe a little unfair that I am enjoying some of Billy walker's finest. But the last few 18's he produced at Glendronach must be the best 18YO whisky you'll ever drink.
3. Glen Scotia 18 - has similarities to the Loch Lomond but adds a level of depth and complexity that is missing in the LL. Really great stuff.
4. Glenallachie 18 - if you like sherried whisky, you'll like this one. Can't wait for the first older GA's to be released where Billy Walker has had control of the entire process from spirit to bottle.
The Longmorn 18 was one I struggled with initially too. I've found the more recent batches to be much more robust and consistent. The earlier ones had more of a fleeting appeal. You could tell they were quality, but depending on your mood you may or may not connect with them. Still, very good stuff.
You've got some great ones on the go! Love SB 18, of course. I've got a Walker Glendronach 18 and a Scotia 18 on the go as well. Both good, but neither would be top 5 picks for me. Glenallachie 18 is one I keep hearing about. I've not seen it in my market in a long time, but I'll definitely have to grab it the next time I see it. Cheers! 🥃
I have a lot to say on this concept. Apologies in advance.
I have put before my fellow brethren of the auspicious NBWC (well I’m trying to big them up, despite they’re general attempt to keep below the radar) in two separate blind tastings of four each, totalling eight horizontal 18yos (OB). They have tasted and scored them blind. I have tasted and scored them sighted (if you see what I mean). Our eclectic marks (in the order I served the whiskies) did not reflect my predictions, or prejudices:
Tasting 1: Deanston 86 Loch Lomond 84.3 Springbank 90 Caol Ila 85.7
Tasting 2: AnCnoc 82 Longmorn 90.3 Talisker 88.3 Longrow 84.8
I plan a third and (because they won’t read this comment) I can tell you that in the running are:
Tasting 3: Aberlour, Bunnahabhain, Ledaig and Laphroaig, but that is in a distant future, and we’ve lots of independent bottlers to keep us busy until then.
May I point out that I have a Bunnahabhain 18 on the go at the moment and it is very sherried, very dark and very bad. I bought it from Auction, it was bottled in 2013 and it turns out it has holidayed in Belarus before it returned to Scotland. Rhymes with Balfy would say “buyer beware, buyer take care”. It is not worthy of putting before the August membership of the NBWC, so I’ll wait until it has evaporated and uncork a later (but not recent - old prices in my stash) bottle for them.
Additionally, I have drunk plenty AnCnoc 18s and the one I served the venerable membership of the NBWC was decidedly stinky compared with all the other ones I’ve ever got through and loved. There is batch variation everywhere, and we should rejoice that there is.
So, I’m still happily buying AnCnocs, SBs (subject to availability) and Caol Ilas. Longmorn is very worthy of its status in GWhisky top 5, oh yes. I have a case of Bunna 18s in the stash, and spares of most others. Ledaig always on the go - love it. I won’t buy any more Talisker 18 at current prices. No rush for another Loch L, Arran, Auchentoshan, Dalmore or Deanston.
What I’d most love to see (after World Peace, Malaria defeated and Scottish ferries returned to secure sailings) is Bowmore 18, casked in bourbon and at a reasonable ABV. But now I’ve moved away from my remit, and started dreaming. (But if you share my dream, SMWS is well worth watching out for, and raiding the cookie jar and stealing the kids’ piggy banks for).
The Highland Park is not a distillery I engage with, because … because … of all the silly names and sillier packaging. Sorry, but that’s how it is.
Happy to see the Longmorn got some love in tasting 2. Springbank 18 didn't surprise at the top of tasting 1. Curious to hear how the third tasting goes!
I've had some Bunna 18s that I'd rank among my favourite OB expressions that I've tried, so that bottle I had a few months back was quite a shocker. The newer one, as I said, is back on form, but still not as great as it once was. Batchy batchy.
Glad you're giving Caol Ila some love. And I get why HP and Talisker are no-gos. 🥃
Very good list Geoff!
18s are increasingly out of reach but I always try to find the money for Bunnahabhain. Ledaig 18 is getting higher up the priority list same with Arran. I would say Springbank and Longrow are favourites but what’s the frikkin point at this point.
Hah thanks Greig. Yeah SB and Longrow would be contenders if people could actually get their hands on them. 🥃
@@Gwhisky I was one of those that got their panties in a bunch when Balfy slated the Bunna 18. He gave Aultmore 18 a higher malt mark, I mean the nerve!….
Just out of curiosity, but how much is Talisker 18 currently in your area?
Arran 18....... used to be a big advocate of the tomatin 18, not so sure now... still very good mind you but seems a different style than most. TBH 18yo isnt a age i gravitate to, prob becuase its that jump in price.... plenty of 15-16 yo in my collection but then older things get very scarce on the shelves... Another good vid G. 🤟
I agree. So many people here are suggesting Tomatin 18. I've got one on the go. It's very nice, but tbh it was never a consideration for the top 5. Likely not even top 10. Seems we're missing something with that one. Yeah... I'm definitely gravitating less and less to 18 year olds myself. Cheers! 🥃
I really want a bottle of the Ledaig 18. Talisker 18, Highland Park 18 travel exclusive, and Glendronach 18 are definitely my top 3 as of now. I forgot to add I have only tried the new bottling of Talisker 18. I have one of the old, but don't want to open it because I love the old style labels. The new labels look so modern and tacky. From the new label Talisker 18 it's very fruit (orchard and fresh berries), with some brininess and smokiness. It's like eating berries that have been salted and smoked. Delicious! Glad I found a big box store that had the old price listed. Might have overstocked on it, but well worth it!
Glad to hear the new Talisker 18 is good. I'd be curious to do a side-by-side between the old and new, but I can appreciate wanting to hold on to the older label. As for the labels, I didn't really care when they switched the 10 around (although it's admittedly tacky), but for an 18 I'm no fan of the new label. The old 18 label looked sophisticated, while the new one looks cartoonish. Doesn't suit the premium age/price. Cheers! 🥃
@@Gwhisky When I saw the new Talisker 10 label I cringed. Whenever I went to a liquor store I always checked for at least one bottle with the old label for my collection and display. Finally found one after 6 months of searching. Might have to get an old label distiller's edition just to have as well
Arran 18, Speyburn 18, Ledaig 18, Springbank 18 (no duh), Bunna 18 (depending). Also funny that the auto-text generator on the red progress line says "Number 1 - Legend 18" instead of Ledaig....that could work still....Ha
...which is absolutely appropriate. 😉
bowmore 18 deep and complex is great as well despite the weak specs.
Lobe that one! 🥃
A good No. 1 but some far better ones not mentioned IMO. Such as Laphroaig 18 ( hard to find now ) Glendronach 18, Caol Ila 18 and Glenallachie 18, with finally Longrow 18.
Big fan of Caol Ila 18. That was was considered for the list. Glendronach 18 is good, but I'm a bit off of big sherry these days, personally. Laphroaig and Longrow are both excellent, but not easy to get nowadays. That Glenallachie has been recommended several times in the comments... definitely one I need to try! 🥃
I haven’t tried the Longmorn or Ledaig (seems I’m missing out!). That said, my list of 18s would be:
5. Deanston
4. Glengoyne (I know, I know it’s only 43%!)
3. Ancnoc
2. Arran
1. Glenallachie (my favourite whiskey of 2022).
What’s on your bucket list of 18s to try still?
Great list! Seems I really need to try a recent GlenAllachie 18! 🥃
Heh...No, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I have a bottle of Ledaig 10 because of you. It's okay, but not top tier in my opinions (it's the peat...I don't like their peat. I'm a PC10 guy, or Benro15 guy, when it comes to peat).
I'm spiraling in on my 70th birthday and I've been frontloading by picking up some more aged expressions (for me) for the anniversary. I cast around, looking at various 18 and 21 year old offerings. Curiously, my list looked nothing like yours. I think it is because I tend to be more 'value oriented' when considering such a decision. Also, at the time I had NO 18 year old expressions at all. The elder in my cabinet was Lagavulin 16. I did consider Highland Park 18, given that maybe, just maybe, this time, by going the extra dollars, I might actually recapture that 'lilting wisp of peat' that I had tasted in passing with a bottle of their Einar. But the cost, and the distrust, crossed them off the list. Others on my list were Old Pulteney 18, GlenDronach 18, Deanston 18, and Oban 18. GlenDronach was deemed too expensive for the category. Oban was in the window, but my ho-hum experience with Little Bay augured against it. Those with better 'value' messages were Old Pulteney and Deanston. So, considering how pleased I was with Deanston 12, and how they hued a closer line to ralfy's 'integrity malts', I leaned to it. Then, I did the price search. YOW! For what I was considering spending for an 18 year old bottle, I could get not one, but two bottles of Deanston 18 with just a smidge more dinero. Talk about pricing for value. So, I now have two bottles of Deanston 18, now my most aged elder malts, in my selection awaiting opening at whatever passes for my celebration. (Along with the Springbank 15 that I recently corraled by taking a field trip outta state, and the Glenmo Signet I have yet to purchase.)
I think I cosine your views on peat: for me some are too smoky, I want some smoke, but it needs to be tamed.
@@elduderino3120 I've been using a bottle of Laphroaig 10 CS as a warning to nOObs. I offer it around with whispers of how widely single malts can vary. Responses to it are very telling. To me, it reeks of creosote. Bunker oil in bilgewater. I used to avoid peat entirely, under the misconception that it was all like that; all the same. It isn't. Highland Park was intimation that there was something else, something better, out there. Benromach was more evidence. Port Charlotte 10 was the confirmation for me. It's an Islay single malt, but unlike most of the other Islay peated, I could not only tolerate it, I enjoyed it. Then, I found out that they trucked the peat in from Aberdeenshire, across the country. It's not Islay peat at all. Look for the peat that suits you.
Deanston 18 is fantastic stuff. I was considering that as my bang-for-buck mystery pour. Really good. The SB15 is nice... big sherry there. The Glenmo Signet is amazing stuff. Pricey for sure, but a stunner. Perhaps on your 70th you could put all three in a blender? 😂😂😂
@@Gwhisky As if. 8^D}
I understand where you are coming from with your list, except the Talisker 18. It's bottled at 45.8% abv but really heavily chilled filtered. They've stripped the life from it. I have been drinking Talisker since the early 1990s and if you have ever seen review tasting notes from that time then believe me, when they said Talisker was like sea spray and black pepper, it really was. The 10 and 18 are shadows of what Talisker used to be and as such, even at half the price, I would give it a miss. Instead, search out old bottles from 90s and early 2000s on auction of 10 YO and 57 Degrees North.
My top 5 would be:
Honorary mention. *The Laphroaig 18* , 48% abv. Long since discontinued but a wonderfully sophisticated and elegant version Laphroaig. When I heard it was to be discontinued back in 2016, I bought up some bottles. Well worth it.
*5. Deanston 18* A clean, full flavoured and classic First-Fill Ex-Bourbon matured experience. Never disappoints.
*4. Loch Lomond 18* A delicious balance of maltiness, Spices, oak, honey and shortcake biscuit. This is tartan in a bottle.
*3. Glenmorangie 18* 43% (Old bottling from 1990s to 2005). Yes, I know it's been discontinued for decades but it's still available in specialist stores and at around £200, it's about the same price as some new 18 Year olds. Lush yellow fruits like melon, pineapple, apples, with rich honey cake and spices. If you don't believe that whisky continues to mature in the bottle, you must try this. Yummy stuff.
*2. Glencadam 18* This is Glencadam 10 with the volume turned up to maximum. A big nose and mouth feel of honey and vanilla cake, loads of spices, milk chocolate, gooseberries and kiwi.
*1. Caol Ila 18* Yes, it's bottled at 43%. Yes, it's chill filtered and probably coloured.......but for me....
It's the taste of Heaven. The 12 has more peat smoke punch and a hint of yellow apples and citrus lemon fruits. With the 18, the peat, though very much still there, is now contributing big bold BBQ flavours to the luscious yellow fruits like peaches, pineapple, melon, cooked lemon and heather honey. I cannot praise this highly enough. Over the years, it's been incredibly consistent. I cannot remember ever having had a bad batch of this and it has been a must have in my open bottles collection since it first came out on the market. Get it while you can as it has just been discontinued. (I am heart broken).
By the way, I do not recommend the Caol Ila 25. The 18 is the best balance of the peat and fruits in my opinion. With the 25, the peat is an ashy remnant of its former self and those once luscious ripe yellow fruits have all gone dry. Premium price for an inferior product. BTW, The Caol Ila 18 Unpeated tastes like a 3 year old. Avoid it!
Good picks. I'm a fan of all of those. Glencadam 18 is sadly one that's not sold in my market. I'd definitely grab a bottle if I came across it. Laphroaig 18 is sorely missed... 🥃
What do you think of Arran 18?! It's available in my state and I'm considering buying it, I usually never buy 18, I'm more of a proof hound and seek cask strength over age.
I love Arran 18. I've only had one batch of it from a few years ago, so I'm not sure how it is nowadays, but I hear it's still excellent. 🥃
In one or more of your vid's I believe I've heard you say you were based in Taiwan. So, I don't know from where you are, but here in the US, I do find the Highland Park 18 TE "particularly hard to find". I do a fair amount of retail shopping from the UK. Perhaps I haven't looked in the right place?? Thanks G.
Ah I should have clarified that it's a travel retail exclusive. It's easy to find in airports, but most standard retailers might not carry it. So easy to find if you're traveling, which is an annoying requirement. 🥃
Interesting choices....I had the 12yr Highland Park last night.....compared to the 10, it's better but only by a fractions.....I've still got a bottle of the original Longmorn 16 - that thing is all time greatness.....funnily though, my mate (large whisky collection), doesn't rate it...Ive had the Talisker 18 and remember it being real good.
Yeah Longmorn is a tough sell for some. I know a lot of enthusiasts who love it, and a select few who don't. One of those profiles, I guess. Cheers Andy! 🥃
Glendronach is my all time favorite 18 yo(my last bottle is almost empty☹️)
Hah it was considered, but didn't quite break the top 5 for me. I love a good sherry bomb, though. It's a classic! 🥃
Great video Geoff⛷️but no Springbank?🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
I was going for stuff that's widely available that people can get their hands on. SB18 would definitely be in here if it fit that criteria. 🥃
Tomatin 18 is fantastic too. Glen Grant 18 i bought was horrible (maybe cask variation)
I like the Tomatin, but not a top 5 for me. The Glen Grant was nice, but a bit forgettable for me. To be fair, I only had a sample. Cheers! 🥃
GW - How does one move from liking Speyside whisky to peated ones like Ledaig? They're so obviously different in smell and taste.
Sad you haven't put the Glengoyne 18, but anyways, some solid choices in your selection
Lol thanks. 🥃
Tomatin 18. So, so good. Did you try it recently?
Yeah I've got it. Very popular in the comments, but tbh it wasn't considered for the top 5. Good stuff, though. 🥃
At 3:43 you are calling No. 4 ( Highland Park ) Bunna 18 as well.
Yeah that's addressed in the video. Oops! 🥃
Yamazaki 18
This list is for current whiskies that are presently in production, but yeah Yamazaki 18 is beautiful! 🥃
Talisker 18 year pricing in my area didn't go up in some stores. They have it for $132 to $155 USD. I'm done with Bunna 18 year because now it is min $230 USD. I'm surprised Glen Scotia 18 year didn't make it to this list. I like that one a lot. I was able to scoop it up for $99 plus tax.
Damn that's a fantastic price! If you're a fan, I'd suggest you grab it while you can. It's selling for much more than that in most markets nowadays. Bunna, on the other hand, is definitely a pass at that price.
Glen Scotia 18 is fantastic stuff, but the competition was pretty stiff. Cheers Dean! 🥃
Ledaig 18 is the best whisky on my shelf (and I have some decent ones). The new and lighter Arran 18 is disappointing btw in case someone considers getting it.
What about Glenlivet, McCallan, Glenmorangie?
Geoff, Would you be more inclined to purchase a Craigalachie 13 for $60.00 Or a Longmorn 16 for $155.00 ?
Craigellachie. Absolutely love that Longmorn, but it's too pricey nowadays! 🥃
Glenmorangie 18 is amazing
Arran 18 is not so cheap in Australia...if you can find it
Damn i got to get the other highland park 18 the standard one i like less than the 12 i find the 18 mutes what i like while adding a slight woody flavor which is pleasant but not what i like
What about Glencadam 18 ?
I've not tried it, unfortunately. 🥃
It’s not just bunna Ardbeg laphroaig and I’m sure there are others. I think Balfy is right they are using casks that have been used too much or just not as good casks.
I agree. The problem isn't unique to Bunna. But that one bottle of 18 was such a let-down. 🥃
Both Ancnoc and Arran would be top 5 for me, if Arran were available/affordable. HP is a solid dram as is Ledaig. I would add Deanston, Glencadam or Aultmore in there too, sort of Top 10 five whiskies 😁 On value alone Ancnoc, Deanston or Tomatin. Need to get me a Bunna. Thx.
Great picks! Haven't had the Glencadam 18... sadly not available here. Deanston was in consideration for my mystery pour. Fantastic stuff and great bang-for-buck. Cheers Neill! 🥃
I have had the new Talisker bottles. I'm very torn about them. I have always been a fan of Talisker but I saw some issues. New Talisker tastes and smells less peated, and the artificial coloring got more obvious, possibly because of the new bottle decorations and colors, which I hate. The only thing that improved was the sweetness. There seems to be a stronger apple flavor. Talisker needs to stop over doing the artificial coloring and just try natural color, and they need to go back to their classic bottle designs that looked far more elegant. The commercial artist they hired needs to be sacked.
My first bottle of Bunnahabhain 12 was a catastrophic experience. It tasted like a 46% port wine. I even checked the label if I didn´t buy the wrong bottle. I couldn´t understand all the reviews talking about smooth nutty notes.
Than I tasted a different bottle and it was there.
They´re kinda famous for their inconsistency.
And...I´ll wonder who the famous RUclipsr is for the rest of my life... :)
Yeah Bunna isn't the most consistent brand, especially with the 12. I didn't realize that was an issue with the 18 until recently. I buy the 18 far less often, for obvious reasons. Oh, well... 🥃
@@Gwhisky There are still older pre-re-brand bottles out there but I don´t know if it´s worth the price now
I recommend Ralfy review 453. It´s always been a rather difficult malt
for me the Caol Ila 18 y is very high on my list
Love that stuff. It was in consideration! 🥃
Great list Geoff, have you tried Glenallachie 18 or Tamdhu 18? Both excellent. Jerry and I did a bracket buster 18 year scotch blind tournament. We were surprised by the results.
Hey Rob. I've had the Tamdhu, which was excellent. A bit overpriced here, but really good. Haven't had the Glenallachie 18 in years. Really tough to find in Taiwan but I'll have to keep a lookout for it. Cheers! 🥃
Of course we all knew you weren’t going to mention Deanston 18! 😅
I actually really like Deanston 18. Just not a top 5 for me. 🥃