First revealed towards the end of 2014, the Founder's Reserve single malt Scotch whisky is now available in the UK and will be replacing The Glenlivet 12 year old in many of the mature markets despite initial indications that it would sit beside it, broadening the entry-level options. Named in tribute to distillery founder George Smith, it's packaged in Georgian blue.
Some dates then what at first appears to be a touch of salinity, but is better described as a slightly sharp plum and apricot wine note. There's orange zest, toffee, hints of struck match and chocolate raisins, but before this starts to sound 'Sherried' there's also pear drops, a dusting of sweet cinnamon, honeysuckle and sweet pea.
Fruity, then sweet, more toffee, a touch of anise, then into milk chocolate Flakes, banoffee pie and apple turnovers.
Creamy toffee to the fore now, a little oak and sweet barley sugar warmth too. Milk chocolate raisins linger.
Perhaps a little sweet, but it would work well with ice where the sweetness would be slightly suppressed - and before you shudder with disgust, Alan Winchester said that he liked his with a little ice sometimes too. And if it's good enough for the Master Distiller...
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Definitely not buying this again. I'm not an expert but I have tried a fair share of cheap single malt whiskies. This is my least favourite one.
Delicious among the best, my lovely niece bought me this for Christmas. Who needs socks, slippers etc? when this fine nectar is available..
Smooth and tasty. Wife enjoyed it too.
Sat down with this and boy was I completely surprised. I had been looking for low end go to of Bowmore 12 which I can't find anywhere anymore, so I figured I would give it a try. I was a little hesitant with the lack of year and I wish I had listened to my gut on that. It is a complete and utter disappointment. It opened up slightly with a splash of water, but nowhere near the depth of flavor I was anticipating and it is nowhere near the quality for the price point.
So been reading the reviews and was cautious about getting. Having tried the 12 before I expected this to be a lower offering but after quarter of bottle in its def one of the better sweet malts in its price range. Worth 40 a bottle when your used to Chivas 12 and Johnnie black.
