By Andy Young
The Glenlivet's new expression, Founder's Reserve, has just launched in Australia and it has been revealed it will replace The Glenlivet 12-year-old by the end of the year.
The launch of Founder's Reserve and news that it will replace the 12yo comes in the wake of an unparalleled year of growth for the brand. That success, and the growth the brand has enjoyed in previous years, has put a strain on stocks of The Glenlivet's 12yo expression. Australia is viewed by brand owner Pernod Ricard as a strong and mature market, and one which will accept the new expression as a replacement for the popular 12yo.
The Founder's Reserve has been created by The Glenlivet's master distiller Alan Winchester using first fill American oak casks and is described as being a smooth, creamy and sweet expression.
According to Anne Martin, marketing director for Pernod Ricard Australia, "Founder’s Reserve brings to life the heart and soul of The Glenlivet. We are very proud to introduce this new expression during what has been an incredible 12 months for the brand, which will enable us to meet increased demand for super-premium spirits with something unique to offer.
"The Glenlivet has the largest share of the Australian Single Malt Market, at 26 per cent."
In a statement about the launch of Founder's Reserve, The Glenlivet added: "Single malt Scotch whisky fans and discerning drinkers today are demanding more from premium spirits producers; more information, more engagement and more innovative products. 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 increase 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."
The Founder's Reserve is now available nationwide with a $64.99 RRP, with stocks of The Glenlivet 12-year-old expected to be run down by the end of 2015.
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Glenlivet should be ashamed to put their name to this bland major disappointment. Bring back the 12 year old.
Terrible Whiskey.
No depth, tastes like pure alcohol..needs sit in the cask at least another 8 years.
Founders reserve is awful, bring back 12!
I have been drinking Glenlivet 12yr in the green bottle for more than 30years and the replacement that you offer is disgusting by comparison
Extremely dissatisfied
Regards
Neville
It is the subtle hints in the article that tell the real story.
Glenlivet have achieved growth by discounting the 12YO which made it, in my humble opinion, the best value single malt whisky for a number of years. Unfortunately this growth in sales has depleted their stocks of sufficiently aged whisky and they have had to release this “reserve” which is a vastly inferior product.