The Best 18 Year Scotch: Picked by Taster’s Club Experts
Written by Taster's Club Internal Team | Updated November 2025
An 18-year-old scotch bottle represents a significant milestone in maturation. They offer a complexity and depth that younger scotch whiskies cannot match, no matter the distillation techniques.
But with so many amazing options, it’s easy to be overwhelmed which is why our experts team here at Taster’s Club have put together our top 10 selections of 18 year scotch. Whether you're looking to expand your collection or searching for a scotch gift that’ll wow, you’ll find that bottle here. Let’s dive in.
The Top 18 Year Scotch Picked by Taster’s Club
Here are our expert picks for the best 18 year Scotch bottles that deserve a spot on your shelf.
1. The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak
The history of The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak dates back to the distillery's early dedication to crafting whisky with unparalleled attention to detail. Each bottle starts with the selection of fine European oak sourced directly from Spanish forests. These casks are crafted and seasoned with sherry in Jerez before being transported to Scotland. This specific aging process is what gives the whisky its distinctive character and deep, natural color. A true masterpiece for any scotch connoisseur.
Tasting Notes: Tasting notes include rich dried fruits, warm spices, orange peel, and a velvety finish. Its deep mahogany hue and elegant bottle design make it an excellent choice for gifting during significant celebrations.
Region: Speyside, Scotland | ABV: 43.0% | 750ml
Purchase The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak
2. Aberlour 18 Year Scotch
Aberlour 18 Year is scotch that’s beautifully aged in both American oak and seasoned Oloroso sherry casks for a unique depth that’s different amongst the crowd. What makes this scotch whisky a top choice is its elegant balance and smoothness that comes from the balance of expert cask selection and time-honored techniques that’re passed down through generations.
Tasting Notes: On the nose, you'll find creamy vanilla, peach, and hints of bitter orange. The palate is perfectly structured with notes of apricot, honeyed caramel, and an oak spiciness. It concludes long and balanced.
Region: Speyside, Scotland | ABV: 43.0% | 750ml
Purchase Aberlour 18 Year Scotch
3. The Glenlivet 18 Year Old
The Glenlivet 18 Year Old is an amazing single malt scotch that undergoes an aging process in a combination of American oak and ex-sherry casks. Every step is carefully managed, starting with the selection of the finest Scottish barley and pure spring water from Josie's Well, a natural source exclusive to The Glenlivet. Its unique refinement creates a whisky that embodies both richness and elegance. It’s smooth for those new to aged scotch, with depth for enthusiasts.
Tasting Notes: The nose opens with rich fruit aromas and toffee notes. On the palate, you'll find ripe citrus and winter spice. The finish is long and warming.
Region: Highlands, Scotland | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml
Purchase The Glenlivet 18 Year Old
4. Highland Park 18 Year Old Viking Pride
Highland Park’s Viking Pride represents over 1,000 years of Orkney’s Norse heritage. This single malt is crafted using traditional methods like hand-turning malted barley and drying it with Orkney peat. All of which is sourced locally. It’s then aged in sherry-seasoned oak casks to deliver that detailed sip, every time. A truly standout gift for any scotch lover.
Tasting Notes: The nose offers notes of heather, honey, and a wisp of smoke. On the palate you’ll find dried fruit, malt, and a touch of spice. The finish is refined and balanced that’s fully satisfying.
Region: Orkney Island, Scotland | ABV: 43.0% | 750ml
Purchase Highland Park 18 Year Old Viking Pride
5. Glenmorangie The Infinita 18 Year Old
Glenmorangie is famous for its tall copper stills, which produce a lighter, more elegant spirit. The Infinita 18 Years Old, previously known as "Extremely Rare," speaks to the distillers expertise. This single malt is aged for 15 years in American white oak bourbon casks before a portion is transferred to Oloroso sherry casks for another three years. A truly amazing sip that is journey for any scotch lover.
Tasting Notes: On the nose you’ll immediately find rich notes of honey, malt, and vanilla. The palate reveals a balance of honey, dates, and figs, with a hint of wood smoke. The finish full of depth and is long.
Region: Highland, Scotland | ABV: 43.0% | 750ml
Purchase Glenmorangie The Infinita 18 Year OldA Scotch Adventure For Every Level
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A Scotch Adventure For Every Level
A Taster’s Club Scotch Subscription transforms any occasion into an extended celebration, delivering carefully chosen scotch every month.
6. Glen Moray Heritage 18 Year
An often-overlooked gem from Speyside, the Glen Moray Heritage 18 Year Old offers incredible quality and value. This single malt is made with locally sourced malted barley and water from the River Lossie. It’s then distilled in copper pot stills. This whisky matures for 18 years in a combination of American oak and ex-wine casks, for a sophisticated sip that’s deeply flavorful.
Tasting Notes: It greets you with a nose of toasted oak, rich vanilla, and a touch of spice. The palate is creamy and smooth, with flavors of caramel, heather honey, and warm spice. The finish is sweet, spicy, and satisfyingly long.
Region: Speyside, Scotland | ABV: 47.20% | 750ml
Purchase Glen Moray Heritage 18 Year
7. Longmorn 18 Year
This exceptional Scotch is created using only the best barley and pure spring water. From there, it’s distilled in copper pot stills for precision and refinement. Finally, it’s aged in a combination of American oak and Sherry casks. What sets it apart is the nuanced character you cannot find elsewhere. This bottle is great for that scotch lover that has everything.
Tasting Notes: The nose offers notes of ripe pear, vanilla toffee, and a hint of lemon zest. On the palate, you'll experience flavors of creamy milk chocolate, sweet mango, and a gentle spice. The finish is incredibly smooth, long, and satisfyingly sweet.
Region: Speyside, Scotland | ABV: 57.60% | 700ml
Purchase Longmorn 18 Year
8. Bruichladdich 18 Year
Bruichladdich 18 Year stands out as a masterpiece. The distillation process takes place in tall, narrow-necked stills, which allow for a slower distillation, ensuring that only the purest and most delicate spirits make it through. The whisky matures in carefully selected oak casks, often sourced from European wine regions. One of the most unique elements of Bruichladdich is its dedication to using 100% Scottish barley, supporting a true expression of the area’s terroir.
Tasting Notes: You’ll find beautiful aromas of honey, vanilla, and tropical fruits on the nose. The palate then goes on with rich notes of ripe stone fruit, citrus, with a creamy texture. The finish is elegant and lingers.
Region: Islay, Scotland | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml
Purchase Bruichladdich 18 Year
9. The Dalmore 18
The Dalmore is known for its bold, rich house style, and The Dalmore 18 is a perfect embodiment of this. The whisky begins its maturation in American white oak ex-bourbon casks before being transferred to 30-year-old Matusalem Oloroso sherry butts. This intricate aging process creates a complex and robust single malt with deep flavors that’s truly indulgent for a special occasion or as a luxurious gift.
Tasting Notes: On the nose, you'll discover enveloping notes of vanilla, dark chocolate, and orange. The palate is rich with flavors of dark chocolate, candied citrus, and rich coffee. The finish is long and complex.
Region: Highland, Scotland | ABV: 43.0% | 750ml
Purchase The Dalmore 18 Scotch
10. Dewar's Aged 18 Years
Dewar's 18 Year Old, also known as "The Vintage," is a top blended Scotch whisky. This blend is created from a selection of carefully chosen 18-year-old malt and grain whiskies. After blending, the whisky is returned to the cask for a "marrying" period which allows the flavors to integrate for a remarkably smooth and balanced sip. It’s a testament to the art of blending.
Tasting Notes: The nose is creamy with notes of honey, marzipan, and a hint of almond. The palate is smooth and full-bodied with flavors of vanilla fudge, toffee, and a touch of oak. The finish is long and warm.
Region: Highlands, Scotland | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml
Purchase Dewar's Aged 18 YearsHow to Find the Best Scotch Whisky
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How to Properly Enjoy the Best 18-Year Scotch
Savoring an 18-year-old scotch is more than just a drink—it's an art that celebrates craftsmanship, tradition, and unparalleled flavor. To truly experience the best 18-year scotch and master how to drink scotch, follow these steps to elevate your appreciation:
1. Choose the Right Glass
Scotch glasses, such as tulip-shaped or Glencairn glasses, are ideal for the best 18-year-old scotch experience. Their narrow opening and wide bowl capture and concentrate the aromas, allowing you to fully appreciate the complexity of your scotch. Unlike wide glasses, these prevent the subtle fragrances from escaping, enhancing your tasting experience of Scottish whisky.
2. Observe the Color and Texture
Before taking a sip, admire the scotch’s appearance. The deep golden or tawny hues of the best 18-year-old scotch visually represent its journey through oak barrels. Tilt the glass and observe how the liquid clings to the sides (called the “legs).” Slower legs indicate a richer body, a hallmark of the best-aged scotch.
3. Appreciate the Aroma
Swirl the scotch gently in your glass to release its aromas. Bring the glass to your nose and inhale deeply, but don’t rush—let the notes come to you. An 18-year-old scotch often reveals a medley of scents like dried fruits, honey, toffee, and delicate smoke. Each 18-year-old scotch brand offers its unique aromatic profile, shaped by the cask and the distiller’s expertise.
4. Sip Slowly to Discover Complexity
Take a small sip and let it sit on your tongue. Roll it around your mouth to awaken the full spectrum of flavors. The best 18-year scotch delivers intricate layers, perhaps a burst of dried figs, a touch of spice, or the velvety richness of caramel. With each sip, the flavors evolve, offering a depth and warmth that lingers long after the last drop, revealing the true mastery behind its creation.
5. Consider Adding Water (Optional)
Adding a few drops of water can transform your scotch-tasting experience. Water reduces the alcohol’s intensity, allowing you to detect subtler flavors in a premium 18-year-old scotch. This step is especially useful for exploring more robust top scotch whisky options. Experiment with the amount of water to find the balance that suits your palate.For those interested in mixing, a splash of water can also create a more approachable base for 18-year-old scotch cocktails. This allows the rich notes of the whisky to shine through without being overwhelmed by the alcohol.
6. Serve at the Ideal Temperature
An 18-year-old scotch should be served slightly below room temperature, between 60°F and 65°F (15°C–18°C). This range preserves its flavors and aromas. Avoid serving it too cold, as refrigeration can dull its complexity and mask the signature notes of the best 18-year-old scotch.
Commonly Asked Questions
How is an 18 Year Old Scotch Better than Other Scotch Bottles?
An 18 year old Scotch isn't necessarily "better," but what makes it stand out from other scotch is directly because of the extended aging process. The extra time in the cask allows the whisky to develop more complex flavors and a smoother character.
The harsh notes from younger scotches aren’t noticeable and the influence of the wood becomes more integrated. This incredible depth is designed for true concourses who want a layered experience that’ll also impress any guest.
What are the Differences Between 18 Year and 12 Year Scotch?
The main difference obviously lies in the aging process. A 12 year scotch often showcases the distillery's core character that’s intended during its detailed creation process before the aging period.
While an 18 year Scotch will spend six more years in the cask which helps it develop more complexity. The result is a more nuanced sip that will provide depth that a 12 year old cannot.
That said, both are amazing choices. If you’re looking for that perfect scotch gift, check out our scotch lovers gift guide.
What’s a Great Scotch to Gift?
Any of the whiskies on this list would make a fantastic gift for a Scotch lover! Bottles like The Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak and The Glenlivet 18 are iconic on the international stage and sure to impress any recipient.
For something unique, consider the Bruichladdich 18. Its small-batch production and focus on using high-quality ingredients give it an exclusivity that stands out.
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We’ll take you on a personalized scotch journey by curating amazing bottles from award-winning distilleries. delivered straight to your door every month.
