Aging in first fill American Oak casks brings a creamy sweetness to the whisky, and hints of zesty citrus play well with notes of sweet caramel apple. Inspired by our legendary founder George Smith, this whisky is an expression of both tradition and innovation.
During the early 19th century, illegal distilleries were commonplace throughout the Speyside region of Scotland. In 1823, however, Alexander Gordon pushed the Excise Act of 1823 through Parliament. The Excise Act allowed illegal distillers throughout Scotland to apply for and obtain licenses to legally distill spirits. In 1824, a businessman named George Smith applied for one of the first licenses in the Speyside region of Scotland and opened the doors to The Glenlivet Distillery. For nearly two centuries, The Glenlivet Distillery has been producing the “single malt whisky that started it all.” The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made using barley sourced from Crisp Maltings, Portgordon (Portgordon is a village in Moray, Scotland). After the barley has been malted and mashed, it is fermented in wooden washbacks for approximately two days. The wooden washbacks used by The Glenlivet are more difficult and expensive to maintain as compared to the stainless steel washbacks used by most Scottish distilleries, but impart a distinctive, floral quality to the whisky. After the barley has been fermented, it is distilled twice — first through The Glenlivet’s wash still, and then again through The Glenlivet’s spirits still. Originally designed by George Smith, the copper-pot stills have a unique, lantern-like shape, which encourages contact between the whisky and the copper. The copper strips the whisky of any impurities it may have, and provides for a lighter and more pure flavor profile. The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve is a tribute to George Smith’s original vision to craft the definitive, smooth Speyside malt whisky. Crafted by current master distiller Alan Winchester, the whisky has been aged predominantly in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon casks. As a result, The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve has a pale gold color with bright notes of blood orange and burnt sugar on the nose. The palate transitions to flavors of pear, rock candy and caramel apples before finishing with notes of toffee, peanuts and honey. Easygoing yet full of flavor, The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve is sure to be equally delicious for both connoisseurs and those just discovering whisky.