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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Given as a gift when the 12yo was no longer available. What an appalling replacement for what was an excellent value single malt. Thank god the 12yo is now back on the shelves.
This is lovely. Chocolate & plums & caramel, warming & yet zesty, a delightful winter whisky.
Needed a bottle for Xmas and saw this on special offer for £22 (from a poor selection available at my local supermarket). I was attracted by the price and good reputation of the distillery, but this was a bad buy. Lightweight and harsh. Next Xmas I'll plan my whisky better!
First Scotch. Typically drink bourbon. Was hoping for something smooth. It smells good, and initial flavor is good, then flavor goes downhill. Typically I’m surprised at how fast I finish a glass. In this case I was surprised at how much I had to get through. Will try another Glenlivet product. But not this.
Ice opens it up a bit but it has a somewhat harsh and prolonged aftertaste. Not awful but disappointed as this is my first bottle of Glenlivet
