Glen Garioch Founder's Reserve Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
48% ABV (96 proof) | NAS | Highland single malt | Aberdeenshire, Scotland — Glen Garioch Founder's Reserve is the entry point to one of Scotland's oldest distilleries (1797): Highland single malt aged in a mix of bourbon and sherry casks, bottled at a flavorful 48% without chill-filtration. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Glen Garioch ("Geery") is Oldmeldrum's pride — an Eastern Highland distillery rebuilt after its 1995–97 mothballing, now running under Suntory Global Spirits. Founder's Reserve is the house style in a glass: honey, heather, and fruit over creamy oak, with sherry-cask depth underneath. Jim Murray's Whisky Bible gave it 94.5; among Scotch whiskies, it's the 48%-ABV sweet spot pour — full-flavored without the cask-strength bite.
Tasting notes
Nose: heather honey, sweet fruit, creamy oak. Palate: full-bodied — honeyed malt, orchard fruit, sherry-cask depth. Finish: long, sweet, with lingering spice. (Per brand notes + Whisky Bible review.)
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 48% ABV (96 proof) — non-chill-filtered
- Highland single malt, bourbon + sherry cask matured, NAS
- One of Scotland's oldest distilleries — founded 1797, Oldmeldrum
- 94.5 points, Jim Murray's Whisky Bible
- The classic Glen Garioch house style at the perfect sipping strength
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat in a Glencairn — 48% ABV carries beautifully without water, though a drop opens the sherry notes. A proper fireside Highland malt.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Glen Garioch made?
At the Glen Garioch distillery in Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire — founded in 1797, one of Scotland's oldest.
What proof is Founder's Reserve?
48% ABV (96 proof), bottled without chill-filtration.
Is Founder's Reserve peated?
No — it's an unpeated Highland malt in the honey-and-heather house style.
What casks are used for Founder's Reserve?
A combination of bourbon and sherry casks.