The Glenlivet 12 year-old is one of my go to everyday drinking whiskies. The name Glenlivet speaks for itself. So when I heard that Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve is slowly replacing the 12 year-old, I was taken a back. No, this is not a Halloween prank (for those that didn’t know), it’s happening.

Founder’s Reserve was first introduced back in 2014. Not to be confused with the Founder’s Reserve they released in 2010, as that was an entirely different bottle. This bottle is meant to be an entry whisky into their range. It plays tribute to founder George Smith and is packaged in a blue box.

Last month when I attended the Women Who Whiskey event I spoke to one of the representatives and asked if it would also replace the 12 in the US and my understanding is this was not happening yet. It is currently just replacing the 12-year in most European markets. However, it begs the question, how long till it replaces the 12 year-old completely?

Tasting Notes

Nose: oak, sweet and citrus
Palate: toffee, pears and apples
Finish: fruity and smooth

I love the Glenlivet 12 year-old, would I love this No-Age-Statement (NAS) as much? The answer is no, I didn’t, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad whisky. I just prefer one to the other. 
I find that one of the major differences between the two is that the Founder’s is much sweeter than the 12 year-old. The price point is about the same as the 12 year-old, $30-$45, depending on where you buy.

In my opinion it is not as bad as many say it is, but what is truly sad is that they are trying to getting rid of a product that has such a cult following. Anyone loyal to the 12 year-old will think that this NAS is a step down; while I believe new whisky drinkers will appreciate it more, as well as, whisky drinkers who enjoy a sweeter dram.

The bottom line, I didn’t hate this whisky, it was sweet and it was smooth but if given the option, I will always reach for that 12 instead.

Cheers!

PS: Wishing everyone a happy and safe Halloween!

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend for people to try it and make up their own minds.