The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve, as the name suggests, was created to pay homage to the founder of The Glenlivet distillery, George Smith. It is part of The Glenlivet's core range of whiskies, which includes expressions of various ages. However, the Founder's Reserve is unique in that it does not carry an age statement on the bottle, unlike some of the other whiskies in the range.
This is in line with a growing trend in the whisky industry towards No Age Statement releases. The absence of an age statement allows the distillers more flexibility in creating a consistent and balanced flavor profile, as they are not limited by a specific age requirement. Instead, they are able to draw upon whiskies from different ages to achieve the desired flavor characteristics.
The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve is crafted by blending together a selection of whiskies from different casks and ages. The exact composition and proportion of these whiskies may vary from batch to batch, ensuring that each release offers a unique experience for the whisky drinker.
The Glenlivet states that the Founder's Reserve can be “considered a 12 year old Scotch by most.” This means that in terms of flavor and character, it aligns with the profile typically associated with a 12 year old whisky. However, it is important to note that the Founder's Reserve does not undergo a minimum of 12 years of maturation like a traditional 12 year old Scotch.
It is worth mentioning that age is just one factor that contributes to the complexity and quality of a whisky. Other factors such as the quality of the casks used for maturation, the distillation process, and the expertise of the master blender also play significant roles in shaping the final product.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and explore a wide range of whiskies, including The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve. While I cannot provide an exact age for this expression, I can attest to its quality and the skillful blending that goes into creating it.
The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve is a No Age Statement whisky that draws upon whiskies from various ages to achieve a flavor profile that is often associated with a 12 year old Scotch. Its age is not specified on the bottle, but its quality and taste are a testament to the expertise and craftsmanship of The Glenlivet distillery.