The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve
The smooth introduction to The Glenlivet: orange, pear and caramel, with creamy sweetness from new American oak. Made for a highball or a Whisky Sour.
A tribute to the founder
Founder's Reserve is named after George Smith, who founded The Glenlivet in 1824. This whisky is made using special oak casks that give it The Glenlivet's fruity house character, complemented by unused American oak casks that add a hint of creamy sweetness. The whisky is still distilled in narrow, lantern-shaped copper stills.
There is no age statement on the bottle. The master distiller selects the casks for their flavor, not their age. As a result, Founder's Reserve is lighter, sweeter and creamier than the 12 Years, with orange, pear and caramel notes. A distinctly smooth malt: great neat, but especially good in a highball or a refreshing cocktail.
At a glance
Orange, pear and creamy caramel
Citrus & pear
Fresh orange and juicy pear, light and inviting, with a subtle sweetness in the background.
Smooth and creamy
Smooth and well-balanced, with caramel and a creamy sweetness from the new American oak.
Short and sweet
A fresh, sweet finish without any harshness. No wood or smoke takes center stage.
Tasting notes for The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve neat. Lighter and sweeter than the 12 Years.
Highball, sour, or simply over ice
Founder's Reserve is the Glenlivet to play around with. Smooth enough for beginners, fresh enough to mix.
Founder's highball
Fill a highball glass to the brim with ice, add 50 ml Founder's Reserve and 150 ml ice-cold sparkling water, and garnish with a long orange peel. The citrus in the whisky comes through straight away.
Highball recipe →As a Whisky Sour
Dry-shake 50 ml Founder's Reserve, 25 ml lemon juice, 15 ml sugar syrup, and one egg white, then shake again with ice and strain over fresh ice in a tumbler. The pear and caramel balance the sourness.
Whiskey Sour recipe →On the rocks
5 cl over a large ice cube in a tumbler. Cold, smooth, and sweet: a great introduction to single malt.
Tumblers →Fresh cocktails with Founder's Reserve
A light, sweet malt works best in fresh, tall, or sour cocktails.
Whisky Highball
Whisky and soda over plenty of ice. Founder's fruit notes come through bright and fresh.
Whisky Sour
Whisky, lemon, sugar, and egg white. Smooth and creamy with this malt.
Whisky Mule
A Mule made with whisky instead of vodka: ginger beer, lime, and plenty of ice.
Penicillin
Whisky, lemon, honey, and ginger. A smooth base for a modern classic.The right glass for Founder's Reserve
A tall highball glass, another highball glass for the Whisky Mule, and a tumbler for the sour and on the rocks.
Discover more flavors of The Glenlivet
The Glenlivet
Where it all began. Visit the brand page to learn all about The Glenlivet: its origins, varieties, and classic cocktails.
Go to The Glenlivet →
The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve
Rum casks bring notes of banana, toffee, and tropical fruit. A summery malt for ginger ale and tiki cocktails.
Discover The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve →
The Glenlivet 15 Years French Oak Reserve
Partly matured in Limousin oak. Spicier and creamier than the 12, with nut and spice notes.
View The Glenlivet 15 Years French Oak Reserve →
The Glenlivet 18 Years
European and American oak, first and second fill. Full-bodied, elegant, and with a long finish.
View The Glenlivet 18 Years →
The Glenlivet 21 Years
Sherry, cognac, and port. Caramelized pear, raisins, and warm spices for a special occasion.
View The Glenlivet 21 Years →Everything about whisky: the varieties, best-known brands, and cocktails.
Questions about The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve
Can't find your question here? Read more on our page about The Glenlivet or check out our cocktail recipes.
Everything about The Glenlivet →What is the alcohol percentage of The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve?
What's the difference between Founder's Reserve and The Glenlivet 12?
Why doesn't Founder's Reserve have an age statement?
What do you mix with Founder's Reserve?
Is Founder's Reserve suitable as a first single malt?
Buy Glenlivet Founder's Reserve
Want the bottle delivered straight to your door? Order Glenlivet Founder's Reserve online from Gall & Gall.
Prices as of November 3, 2026, as provided by Gall & Gall. You can see the current price and stock at Gall & Gall. Glazen.nl receives a small commission if you buy something through these links; it costs you nothing extra. No 18, no alcohol.
