If you happen to get one of these, it definitely deserves the 'show-off' space in your bar. The handcrafted Glenlivet is the much enjoyed, respected, relished and according to the information given to the media the No 1 single malt all over India and abroad. The first distillery in Scotland's Speyside region to be granted the distilling licence, it is according to Wikipedia the oldest legal distillery in the parish of Glenlivet in Moray, Scotland that produces single malt Scotch whisky. It is described in packaging and advertising as "The single malt that started it all". It was founded in 1824 and has operated almost continuously since then. Today, the distillery is owned by the French alcoholic beverages company Pernod Ricard.

The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve, a tribute to its founder George Smith is the latest from the house of the single malt which was introduced with the fan fare it deserves at the city's Oberoi hotel recently by brand ambassador Alex Robertson dressed in the traditional Scottish kilt and spiked additionally with his humour.

With Founder’s Reserve, The Glenlivet house style is skilfully complemented with creaminess and sweetness from the addition of First Fill American oak casks, resulting in a malt of exceptional smoothness; the very quality for which George Smith’s The Glenlivet was widely admired and appreciated in his day.

We also got to taste the 14 and 18 year old malts paired with some delicious food while being guided every step by Alex on the tasting of the malts. Every note in the single malt was whiffed and introduced to us. I tasted mine with ice while cleansing my palate with the interesting passion fruit sorbet served with a perfect meal. 

The evening saw poetry reading (a first for me for the launch of the single malt) by well known author of the book Suitable Boy, Vikram Seth to exemplify the core philosophy of The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve - going back to the original, and paying tribute to a rich heritage. Seth read a few of his poems to the pleasure of the august guests.

Also adding to the lovely evening was the beautiful Nush Lewis who played the harp delicately and serenely while we indulged in the delicious food.

Remarking on the occasion While Kartik Mohindra, Head - International Brands at Pernod Ricard India said " Founder’s Reserve brings to life the heart and soul of The Glenlivet. A single malt that traces its roots to the original flavors – The single malt that started it all. We are proud to present this new expression,   as the latest addition to our prestigious portfolio of premium spirits.”

Nosing and tasting notes

·         Colour: Pale Gold

·         Nose: Delicate aromas of citrus fruit, notably sweet orange.

·         Palate: Sweet, fruit notes of zesty oranges and pears, with a hint of candy,                   toffee apples

·         Finish: Long, creamy and smooth 

Price starting from INR 4750 to 6800 per 75 cl bottle (prices vary in each       state)

The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve will be available in NCR, Haryana, Mumbai     and Bangalore.

Additionally, it is available in Travel Retail – Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore for $48 per litre bottle.