Glen Garioch Founder's Reserve

About the Glen Garioch Founder's Reserve

Glen Garioch Founder's Reserve is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky from Oldmeldrum in Scotland. This expression celebrates John and Alexander Manson, the brothers who established Glen Garioch distillery in 1797. The whisky combines ex-bourbon and ex-sherry cask maturation to create its distinctive character. Sweet vanilla and apple notes emerge on the nose alongside citrus brightness and subtle spice. The malty foundation carries brown sugar warmth with hints of butterscotch and dried fruit complexity. Gentle pepper heat builds through the mid-palate before settling into a honeyed finish. Glen Garioch operates as one of Scotland's oldest continuously working distilleries. The facility weathered brief closure in 1968 before reopening five years later under new ownership. Traditional copper pot stills craft each batch using time-honoured methods passed down through generations. The distillery's Highland location provides ideal conditions for whisky maturation, with seasonal temperature variations encouraging interaction between spirit and oak. Bottled at 48% ABV without chill filtration, Glen Garioch Founder's Reserve delivers full-bodied texture and assertive flavours. The whisky drinks best neat, allowing the interplay of vanilla, apple, and gentle spice to develop fully on the palate. This flagship expression captures the quintessential Glen Garioch character. It suits newcomers and seasoned Highland whisky enthusiasts alike. Cinnamon, barley, and fennel notes weave through the finish, giving this NAS bottling surprising depth for everyday drinking neat. Brown sugar and butterscotch sweetness balance the peppery kick, while oak and baking spice keep the palate engaged. A touch of brine adds Highland edge without overpowering the fruit.