DRAMFINDER VERDICT
The aged Glenmorangie. 18 years, sherry-touched, the 'Extremely Rare' senior expression
88DRAMFINDER SCORE / 100
RECOMMENDED
92+DEFINITIVE88-91RECOMMENDED84-87QUALIFIED80-83TASTE-DEPENDENT<80PASS
One number, 0 to 100. It blends independent critic ratings, community sentiment, how widely the bottle is discussed, and how consistent it has stayed across bottlings. This one lands in the RECOMMENDED band. The critic average below is just one of those ingredients, not the headline.
Glenmorangie 18 (badged 'Extremely Rare') is the senior age-stated bottling in the core range, bottled at 43% ABV, 15 years in ex-bourbon, then a portion finished 3 years in ex-Oloroso sherry, then re-married. It takes the high-toned, delicate Glenmorangie base and adds the depth and a sherry-led richness of 18 years: dried fruit, honey, orange marmalade, a touch of nut and chocolate, the citrus-and-vanilla Glenmorangie core, a soft oak spice. It's a polished, elegant aged Highland. The 43% ABV is the main limitation, and at £100 to £150 it competes with better-regarded aged malts; but if you like the Glenmorangie house style and want the aged version, it does the job. Buy this if you've worked through the Glenmorangie range and want the aged, sherry-touched version. Skip it on value; aged GlenDronach or Highland Park 18 gives more depth for less. The right price is £95-130.
TASTING NOTESDRAMFINDER EDITORIAL
Nose
Dried fruit, honey, orange marmalade, a touch of nut and chocolate, the citrus-and-vanilla Glenmorangie core, a soft oak spice. Polished aged Highland.
Palate
Dried fruit and honey at the front, orange marmalade, a sherry-led richness, then the Glenmorangie citrus and a soft oak. 43% and 18 years give it depth, but it stays elegant.
Finish
Long. Dried fruit, honey, orange, and a soft oak fade together. Elegant; the age carries it.
PAIRINGFOOD · CIGAR · SETTING
Food: orange-and-chocolate desserts, fruit cake, mature cheddar, dark chocolate. Cigar: mild to medium. Setting: after dinner, special occasions.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYINDEPENDENT REVIEWS
"The first versions of this premiumised 18yo around 2007 were good in my opinion (WF 82), let's see if newer batches are in the same league. Colour: gold. Nose: typical floral and mildly fruity nose, on quite some light honey, a little pollen, dandelions, mirabelles and quite some custard. Also some fresh orange juice and maybe a little orangeade as well (make that Fanta). All in all, a light, gentle and very pleasing nose, with something summery."
2010 BOTTLING
"One of very rare independent Glenmorangies but as you may know, the SMWS belongs to them. Colour: gold. Nose: unexpectedly austere, mineral and grassy. Fresh almonds, chalk and sawdust. A little fresh mint and eucalyptus in the background, which is nice. With water: much more fresh oak and vanilla, which was to be expected more. Also nice whiffs of warm hay in summer. Mouth (neat): well, this is a typical 'almost new' American oak profile, with a lot of maple syrup, vanilla and greengage jam and a good deal of white pepper and ginger in the background. Big sweetness and a rich body."
CRITIC AND COMMUNITYCONSENSUS
Critics rate it high; community discussion is more measured. An expert's pick.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU BUY THISLIFTING THE VEIL
WHY IT’S BOUGHT
- plusA polished, elegant aged Highland; the sherry portion adds richness to the delicate base.
- plus43% ABV and 18 years give it real depth.
- plusThe natural top of the Glenmorangie ladder for a loyal drinker.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
- caveat43% ABV; light despite the age.
- caveatAt £100-150 it competes with better-regarded aged malts without the brand premium.
- caveat'Extremely Rare' is a marketing flourish, not a literal scarcity claim.
BEHIND THE LABEL
- flagLVMH's pricing on the 18 has crept up; it was an £80 bottle a few years ago.
- flagThe travel-retail expressions (Legends, Tales of, etc.) muddy the range; the 10, the core finishes, and the 18 are what matter.