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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As a long time Glenlivet fan I find the founders reserve disappointing, tastes like a malt blend not a single. If the 12 year goes away, you lost a customer.
I found this product to be drinkable, but only if there's no other whisky in the cabinet! It has a nice fruity flavour initially which gives way to a harsh alcohol burn which is not pleasant at all! At this price range I would definitely pick the 12yr Glenfiddich over this, it's much nicer!
This is my second ever bottle of scotch and my first speyside and I feel a little disappointed it was to light and delicate for me, I got that warm feeling in my throat but really struggled to get any real flavours. Sorry to say it's an ok drink glad it was free don't think I'll buy a bottle though.
Bought a half bottle of tbis at my nearby Sainsbury’s Local believe it or not. And I think it’s remarakabl good. But then I don’t like smoky bitter whiskeys which many coinneseurs (sp?) seem to do.
Smooth, mellow single malt for the price. A little sharp, if held for a moment.
