Glen Garioch 1797 Founder's Reserve

I previously mentioned that this was leaps and bounds ahead of the 12 year, and I stand by this opinion, however Founder's Reserve has no age statement which I failed to include as part of the comment. It could be aged less than the 12, but I personally found more depth, intrigue, and complexity from a neat dram with the Founder's Reserve than I could with the 12.

25th February 2015

From a neat pour, I initially got the blue cheese amongst some cereal notes on the nose. After opening up there was more gingerbread and nutmeg sweetness coming thru. The palate is warm chocolate brownie and a touch of saltiness, like summer sausage. The finish is quick, slightly hot, with a touch of wood smoke and menthol at the very end, lending to somewhat of a minty aftertaste.

This dram holds the 48% quite well and presents it rather smoothly. Overall, a great tasting experience. Nice to find such unique notes on the nose and mint in the finish. Leaps and bounds ahead of the Glen Garioch 12 - which to me is quite dry and hot - and needs water to bring out the good stuff.

25th February 2015

A much younger dram than I've been having recently and I think that shows in the taste as things can seem a little muddled. The main bulk of the taste seems to be a mix of malt and toffee which gives way to a short peppery finish. I found that leaving it out to breathe for a bit helped stabalise the flavour and make it more enjoyable. Whilst it may not blow your socks off like a Dalmore can, it certainly is well worth what you pay for it.

10th December 2014

Lots of bright citrus marmalade aromas with toffee pecan Danish pastry. There is a bit of bite to the whisky but I think that adds to the overall texture, not at all heavy or gloopy but bright fresh and delightfully youthful.

10th December 2014

I found this malt to be very harsh, so much that it had to be tamed with an ice cube. Strange, because I always drink Scotch neat and I don't mind cask strength/high alcohol and usually don't have a problem. A friend bought the same malt at the same time and had the same issues. Flavour was nice but fairly undistinguished. I was lucky and found this on sale because I will not be buying this again. I may try the 12 year sometime in the future though, hopefully that offering will be more less harsh (and more mature) than the FR.

4th December 2014

A real surprise and very good value for the money. A beautiful sipping whisky. Diamond in the rough for sure. For me, I get leather with a bit of menthol and scotch mints. Unique, and enjoyable.

20th November 2014

Quite a find! A delightful contrast to the shocking peatiness of my beginning glass of Ardbeg 10.
No 1 and 2 for me in affordable single malts.

We in St Louis are fortunate to have the Wine and Cheese stores, with the flagship featuring
400 different single malt scotches! At unbeatable prices locally.

12th May 2014

Good stuff from Grampian, nae bother!;)

10th May 2014

Bought this product at World Duty Free Gatwick North Terminal on 12/04/2014 and paid £40.99.
So much for so called duty free prices!

27th April 2014

I had a sample of this at Molly Macphersons in Savannah. A great sipping drink with a light sweetness and a hint of dry.

30th October 2013

order a case when i got back to Missouri in USA. with a good cigar and friends what better can you ask for it is outstanding to me 5 out of 5

5th October 2013

My son got a bottle of this as a gift and I was horrified to see him trying to add lemonade....asked him why, he said, "Too strong for me, dad!" You will be glad to hear that I have now taken charge of this bottle of superior malt; the first time I have tried any of the Garioch clan and I am suitably impressed. Easy to drink, soft notes hint of sweeties....niiiice

4th April 2013

Comment in English

20th January 2013

A ganz a edler Dropfm! Da koo der Schaaflder fei nid midhaldn.

9th December 2012

Obtained a bottle duty free for a week in Portugal after having sampled both the 12 yo and this. Wonderful whisky and very well priced.
Recently re-tried both at a tasting event, and thought the 12 yo is even better. Depends on your mood - buy both.
Highly recommended.
BTW - Glen Garioch was lightly peated before 1994 (?) closure. Since reopening there is no peat.

24th July 2012

Had a drop of this at my Dad's this weekend and thought it was top. Much better than Glenfiddich and Glenmorangie (in my opinion) which are similar priced ones I've got at home. Excellent value.

12th April 2011