Just in the nick of time

IF YOU HAVE a bottle or three of The Glenlivet 12 Year Old stashed away at home, cherish that whisky, because the global supply has just about run dry.

If you foolishly failed to stock up on the stuff, relax, because there’s a great new distillation in the shops – The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve.

The Glenlivet brand expanded so rapidly in recent years that its 12 Year Old is expected to be tapped out by the end of the year, if not sooner, given the increasing popularity of single-malt whiskies. Unless you have your own hoard, you’ll just have to adjust your tippler’s lexicon to order Founder’s Reserve instead. The producers swear it maintains the same exceptional flavour as the very first bottle of single malt that company founder George Smith brewed up.

The character of Glenlivet spirits is apparent even before the cask-ageing begins, a result of the unique lantern-shaped pot stills that have always been used at the distillery in Scotland. For Founder’s Reserve, skilful selection of the casks ensures the signature fruity taste. Traditional oak casks are used along with American “first-fill” casks to give a hint of creamy sweetness.

Created by master distiller Alan Winchester, Founder’s Reserve sports a pale-gold hue and a delicate aroma of citrus, notably sweet orange. The first sip delights the palate with sweet and bright fruity notes of oranges and pears, as well as a hint of toffee. The well-balanced and delectable malt then leaves a smooth, slightly creamy and long finish.

Thai aficionados had their first splash of Founder’s Reserve at an extravagant party on Tuesday at the Intercontinental Hotel Bangkok’s Balcony Lounge & Humidor. Cocktails were fashioned using the new single malt and an exhibition dedicated to founder George Smith offered a journey through the brand’s 200-year history.

Smith established one of the original distilleries in the Speyside area near Edinburgh. 

He regarded the blending of traditional whisky as a ritual and on more than one occasion had to “religiously” defend his premises from invading smugglers who threatened his life. 

Getting rid of such bad elements required the legalisation of whisky distilling, and Smith spearheaded the campaign. His reward was to be granted the first distiller’s licence, in 1824. 

He began producing premium-quality whisky bearing the name The Glenlivet during what became known as the golden era of single-malt distilling, and the brand has won accolades ever since for its fine quality, unique taste and consistency. The latest such honour comes from TheSpiritBusiness.com, which has dubbed The Glenlivet Scotch Whisky Brand Champion 2015. 

In October 2014 the company announced a landmark – one million cases sold. This year the Brand Champions data, published in June, revealed that The Glenlivet was tied with Glenfiddich at one million sales per year of nine-litre cases.

Founder’s Reserve arrives with much fanfare. “Single-malt Scotch-whisky fans and discerning drinkers today are demanding more from premium spirits producers – more information, more engagement and more innovative products,” the firm says in an introductory statement. 

“In releasing The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, we hope to intrigue, excite and educate single-malt Scotch-whisky drinkers by quenching their thirst for knowledge and in turn increasing their understanding of the quality and provenance of The Glenlivet range.

“The launch of The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve also demonstrates our commitment to expanding the range with the offer of new taste sensations. By introducing exciting new products, we can simultaneously continue to drive innovation and consumer engagement in the category, while meeting the stock demands of today and the future.”