The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve Scotch Whisky
The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve Scotch Whisky is a smooth, fruity single malt Scotch whisky — 40% ABV (80 proof), 750mL — crafted as a tribute to The Glenlivet's founder, George Smith. Matured in a combination of traditional oak and first-fill American oak casks, it is the most accessible expression in the Glenlivet range. Order it online from Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: No age statement — selected from traditional oak casks of a range of ages
- Casks: Traditional oak married with first-fill American oak (casks never before used for whisky)
- Origin: Distilled at The Glenlivet, Livet Valley, Speyside, Scotland
In the Spirit of George Smith
When George Smith began distilling, The Glenlivet carried no age statements — he simply selected whisky from casks of a range of ages, guided by taste. Founder's Reserve recreates that freedom: the makers marry aged traditional oak casks with American first-fill oak, whose selective use lends a smooth, creamy sweetness that mingles with the Glenlivet house style's delicate fruit and complex citrus tones. The result is a modern twist on the whisky that first ran from the original copper pot stills in 1824, and an ideal first step into the world of Scotch whisky.
Tasting Notes
Pale gold in the glass, with delicate aromas of citrus fruit and sweet orange. The palate is smooth and creamy — zesty orange and pear with a hint of toffee apples — leading to a long, creamy, smooth finish. A silky, balanced Speyside single malt that punches above its approachable price point.
How to Enjoy
Enjoy neat or with a single ice cube for an easy everyday dram, or use it as the base of classic Scotch cocktails such as a Hot Toddy or a Rob Roy. It pairs beautifully with light dishes — the distillery suggests salmon — and it is a friendly bottle to introduce friends to single malt Scotch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve an aged whisky?
It carries no age statement (NAS): whisky is selected from traditional oak casks of various ages, then married with first-fill American oak casks for a smooth, modern character.
What is the alcohol content of The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve?
It is bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof), the classic strength for the Glenlivet core range.
What does Founder's Reserve taste like?
Smooth and fruity with citrus, sweet orange, pear, and toffee apple notes over a creamy texture, finishing long and smooth.
Who was the founder of The Glenlivet?
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.
Start your Glenlivet journey here — buy The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve Scotch Whisky online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.