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...
As well as adding gifts to lucky MoM orders, #WhiskySanta is granting wishes on social media every day! Hit the button above and let them know what you'd like. It could be yours!
Boring, flat, linear, watery, zero character... I won't trust Glenlivet with my money after this one.
Very nice
Glenlivet 12 was my first ever scotch, and I still like it and love the 18 when I can afford it, so I am partial to the family. The expert at the store told me it was a blend of 12, 15, 18, etc, but nothing less than 12. So I thought for $30 it has to be better than 12 right? Well, no, it is disappointing. I am not sure how they made it or what they did to it, but it pales compared to the rest of the Glenlivet family. This child should be disowned.
Far from being a whisky snob, I am a complete whisky newbie. Glenlivet's Founder's Reserve is only my sixth bottle of whisky to date. I bought it on offer, attracted by the price tag and Glenlivet's reputation. When I got home I Googled to see the reviews, and found the ones here. I decided I should return the bottle, but when my previous bottle of Jura Superstition (a very accessible, enjoyable whisky for a newcomer) ran out, I figured 'I'm no whisky snob, I should still enjoy this!'. Boy was I wrong. It's incredibly linear, and the nose gives away everything you need to know. This tastes like a poor bourbon - only worthy of being used with a mixer. And I think that's exactly what I'll do: offer it up to guests who enjoy their 'whisky' with a coke, as I can't see me finishing this bottle on the rocks. Easily the worst of the whiskies I've tried to date and I wouldn't ouch this again.
This is often down to £24 in the UK - fine, because this is a sour, unbalanced and bland whisky. White and Mackays is better and half the price if you want to save money. If you don't mind spending £4 extra, you can often get a reduced Laphroiag 10 in the supermarkets here in the UK. Anyone looking for a nice drink to savour or serve to guests, trust me and spend the extra cash - it is the difference between a beautifully crafted and complex but balanced dram and a total mess.
