When you think of approachable, entry-level Speyside whisky, The Glenlivet is one of the first names that comes to mind. But what happens when you compare two of its most accessible expressions side by side – the classic 12 Year Old and the Founder’s Reserve?
Both are widely available, sit at the same price point, and at first glance don’t seem all that different. Yet, tasting them next to each other revealed a result that even I didn’t expect.
Background: Two Core Expressions
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old has long been the distillery’s entry level whisky. Matured in a mix of European oak and American oak, bottled at 40%, chill filtered (colour may be added), it’s designed to deliver the distillery’s hallmark smooth and fruity style.
Back in 2015, Glenlivet introduced the Founder’s Reserve, initially replacing the 12 in some markets due to pressure on aged stock. In Australia, the 12 vanished for a time, leaving the Founder’s Reserve as the entry-level option. While it doesn’t carry an age statement, it’s rumoured to include whiskies between 8 and 12 years old, matured in European oak and exclusively first-fill American oak. Like the 12, it’s bottled at 40%, chill filtered, and likely coloured for consistency.
With both now back on shelves, usually priced around $70–80 AUD, the natural question is: does age make the difference?
Tasting the Founder’s Reserve
Nose: Pronounced oak, balanced with honeyed sweetness, floral touches, and a subtle creamy note.
Palate: Biscuity malt character comes through alongside stewed apple and honey. There’s a light oak-driven spice, and the texture is surprisingly creamy for a chill-filtered whisky.
Finish: Short to medium, with oak and honey lingering a little while the floral notes fade quickly. For a NAS whisky at 40%, the texture and balance are impressive.
Tasting the Glenlivet 12 Year Old
Nose: Lighter and fruitier, with more fresh-cut apple than stewed, with delicate floral notes. Surprisingly, it feels lighter on the nose than the Founder’s Reserve.
Palate: Leans towards pineapple and apple, with sweetness more like caramel or candy than honey. The mouthfeel is noticeably thinner, even a little watery compared to the creamy texture of the Founder’s Reserve.
Finish: Short and light, with a touch of citrus appearing after a little time in the glass.
The Verdict
Going into this comparison, I expected the two whiskies to be not identical, but close in character – pleasant and interchangeable. But side by side, the Founder’s Reserve came out as the clear winner.
It has more body, more texture, and a richer character. The exclusive use of first-fill American oak seems to give it an edge over the 12 Year Old’s mix of first- and second-fill casks.
That said, both whiskies still represent good value in the $70–80 range. If you prefer delicate, fruity flavours, the 12 Year Old still shines. But if you want something with more weight and creaminess, the Founder’s Reserve delivers more than expected.
Takeaway
This comparison was a good reminder that age statements aren’t everything. Sometimes the NAS option can outshine its older sibling. If you’ve got two whiskies you enjoy, try tasting them side by side – you might be surprised by which one stands out.
For me, from now on, it’s the Founder’s Reserve that earns its place on my shelf.