Glenlivet Founder's Reserve

Picked up a four pack of 50 ml Glenlivet samplers for AUD$30. Bargain. No expectations of grandeur but about time I knocked off a couple of common place bottom to 1st shelf bar offerings… N: Sweet and with a little sharp sourness, almost oxidised vinegary-wine. Bright orange zest, a little toffee and a slightly funky malt. Some chocolate is there as is some generic orchard fruit juice and a touch of honey. The more I dig into the funky malt the more I find it verges on dustiness and acridity, like rotten fruit. There may be a little acetone buzz too. P: Thin and watery and with a little ethanol burn I wouldn’t have expected for 40% ABV. Generically fruity and sweet with plenty of malt and brown sugar. Theres a little chocolate-toffee and a late creamy texture. A fairly lacklustre palate leaning towards insipid. The redemption comes at the end of the dram where I have managed to find a little tannic presence that gives something of weight to the overall experience. F: Medium. Toffee cream and maybe a dried fruit sweetness that exits through lingering ethanol warmth and a bitterness that creeps in unexpectedly. I understand that this is a replacement of the Glenlivet 12 in some markets (seemingly not the Australian one though). If that is the case then there are obvious competitors, some of which I have had and would likely prefer over this (Glenfiddich 12 is the obvious one), otherwise there are a plethora of entry level NAS offerings to choose from. What we seem to have here is an inoffensive, forgettable entry level crowd pleaser for the less discerning whisky fan, whisky newbie, or cocktail mixer. If you have a distillery preference, then absolutely go ahead and get this as a (boring) run of the mill every day dram, but for me though…. pass the Monkey Shoulder. [Pictured here with a 320 million year old lump of essexite from Craigleith Island (nr. Edinburgh) in Scotland. If you have ever seen the winter olympics then you’ve probably seen this rock as since 2006 this rock, from this six hectare island, is the only rock used for curling stones.] Distiller whisky taste #112.

NAS 40% First fill American Oak Casks (similar to those used for bourbon) Colored Filtered This whisky is remarkably common, often overlooked due to its ubiquity and presumed mediocrity. Yet, it delivers a pleasantly simple experience, ideal for beginners or as a party accompaniment. Nose: Vibrant, with a sweet fruit soda aroma that tantalizes the senses. Notes of grapes, canned pears, and candy mingle with a subtle barley backdrop. Palate: Smooth and syrupy sweet, concluding with a touch of wood tannins. Reminiscent of juice from a Dole Diced Fruit Bowl. Finish: A dry yet sweet finale. Overall, the Glenlivet Founder's Reserve is super easy going, not overpowering. Sweet but not in bourbon way. While it lacks complexity, it's still enjoyable for what it is. However, with the current price at 75 CAD (previously around 60 CAD), there are other noteworthy options to consider. Nonetheless, it's perfectly acceptable to appreciate its straightforward charm.

Nose- fruity and sweet nose, almost smells like a fruit salad. There is honey and cherry flavors with some syrupy poached pears Palate- sweet and fruity. Reminds me of juicy fruit gum on the palate. I think this would go well after a nice meal. It is a good dessert drink Finish- not much of a finish here. A bit of musky hay and vanilla usher you out. Not much warmth or depth to it. It is an easy whiskey. Not complex, but then again I don't think it was intended to be complex. Kind of an "everyman" dram. Overall- this is a good scotch for a person newer to scotch to cut their teeth on. It is a Speyside, so no peat which is usually that smokey note that chases folks away from scotch. This may though take it to the other extreme of being too sweet.

The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve has a pale gold color. It is clear and has a medium viscosity. On the nose, the whisky has a sweet aroma with notes of honey, vanilla, and fruit. There are also hints of oak and spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg. The whisky has a smooth and light body, with a subtle sweetness and flavors of fruit and honey. There is also a slight hint of oak, which adds depth and complexity to it. The finish is medium in length, with a slight dryness and a gentle warmth. There are also hints of oak and spices that linger on the palate.

I like it, but it’s not my favorite- especially for a Scotch. It’s nice, light, and smooth - but it lacks the body and fullness that I’m looking for. I’m forever grateful for Glenlivet, but this is not as good as the normal 12-year. The only reason why I’m giving it such a high ranking is familiar bias, nostalgia, and undeniable smoothness - albeit a tiny bit watery. Here’s looking forward to something with a bit more body.

Killed the bottle tonight. Nose: bright lively fruitiness, there's like a light caramel apple note (not heavy caramel). A bit of citrus/orange. A hint of cinnamon, molasses. Im getting sherry-esque notes even though its purely ex-bourbon.... Palate: smooth, fruity and sweet. A tiny bit of woody sharpness. Berries and cream, banana a tiny bit. Honey. Finish: a bit light and drying. Mildly Woody. A bit thin.