By Ambassadeur Hotel
Welcome to the world of The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, one of the most renowned single malt scotches that grace the shelves of countless restaurants and bars worldwide. Established in 1824, this distillery has spent more than 190 years perfecting its craft, offering over 25 different products to whiskey enthusiasts.
In 2014, The Glenlivet unveiled its iconic 1824 Founder’s Reserve Single Malt Scotch as a tribute to its visionary founder, George Smith. This exquisite blend was crafted using the traditional distillation methods pioneered by Smith himself. It is made with water sourced from the crystal-clear mountain streams and the same cold, pure air that once filled the original copper pot stills. The result? A smooth and fruity whiskey that captures the essence of its heritage.
The Founder’s Reserve is aged in American first-fill oak casks, which have never been used for any other purpose. Blending in-house whiskies of various ages, this expression personifies the trend towards No Age Statement releases. While it may be commonly regarded as a 12-year-old Scotch, it offers a unique and complex flavor profile that defies conventional classification.
Tasting Notes: The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve
- Appearance: The true color of this whiskey is artificially enhanced to a captivating golden hue.
- Scent: Immerse yourself in the delightful fragrance of fresh linen, intertwining with the inviting aromas of ripened orchard fruits—red apples and white peaches—alongside hints of toffee and yellow raisins.
- Taste: As your palate savors the Founder’s Reserve, you’ll encounter delicate notes of toffee that intertwine with raw oak tannins and barley. Some might even detect the subtle presence of milk chocolate and raisins. For the more discerning connoisseur, it may evoke an intriguing sensation reminiscent of savoring a peach pit soaked in barley water.
- Finish: The finish is short yet memorable, leaving behind a gentle malty and slightly bitter impression.
But there’s more to the Founder’s Reserve than meets the eye. This versatile whiskey lends itself perfectly to creative vattings, allowing you to experiment and craft unique flavor combinations. One such concoction, the “Cockteau Twin,” combines three parts Founder’s Reserve, one part Ardbeg Ten, with a dash of Oloroso sherry and a pinch of dark roast coffee. Served on the rocks or neat, this delightful blend is a testament to the endless possibilities of pairing lower-priced Glenlivets with peated Scotch.
For those seeking an elevated experience, higher-priced Glenlivets deliver exceptional quality. Take, for instance, the exclusive 12-year-old 2007 Signatory Vintage, available through The Whisky Exchange. Aged in a first-fill sherry hogshead (#900216) with an extremely limited yield of just 329 bottles, this whiskey showcases the extraordinary craftsmanship and natural color that sets it apart. Rich and complex, it tantalizes the palate with intense fruit flavors, syrupy notes, and a medley of chocolate, tobacco, chili powder, orange peel, gingerbread, and walnuts. If you have the opportunity to acquire one of these prized bottles at auction, we highly recommend seizing the chance, especially if you can secure it for around 100 pounds or less.
As you embark on your whiskey journey, let The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve be your guide. Its legacy, expertise, and commitment to excellence make it a worthy addition to any connoisseur’s collection. To explore more of what Ambassadeur Hotel has to offer, visit our website at Ambassadeur Hotel. Cheers to the spirit of adventure!
