The Glenlivet Founders Reserve Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Glenlivet Founders Reserve is the entry expression in The Glenlivet range — named for George Smith, who was granted the first legal licence to distil in the Scottish Highlands in 1824, making The Glenlivet the first legitimately licensed Highland distillery.

The Founders Reserve uses a combination of traditional ex-bourbon and first-fill American oak casks. At 40% ABV without an age statement, it is the most accessible starting point in the Glenlivet range. Browse the full Glenlivet collection at Wooden Cork.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Creamy and floral — vanilla, white peach, fresh cream, light citrus
• Palate: Smooth and accessible — vanilla toffee, ripe fruit, gentle spice, honeyed sweetness
• Finish: Short to medium, clean and sweet

Specs

• Distillery: The Glenlivet, Ballindalloch, Speyside
• Region: Speyside, Scotland
• Age Statement: NAS
• Cask Type: Traditional ex-bourbon and first-fill American oak
• ABV: 40%
• Size: 750ml

Browse all Scotch whisky at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Founders Reserve or Glenlivet 12 the better starting point?

Founders Reserve is sweeter and more approachable but has no age statement. The 12-year is marginally more complex with a declared age. Either works — Founders Reserve for the sweetest introduction, 12-year for a more classic Speyside starting point.

What does Founders refer to?

The name honours George Smith, who received the first legal Highland distilling licence in 1824 following the Excise Act. Smith was the first to take up the licence, at considerable personal risk from other illicit distillers.