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...
Not as good as the 12 year old
First class would definitely buy on a regular basis
Not all of us like to be hit in the face with a smoked barrel of peat. As a light dram, a summer day's treat, this would work. Perhaps a little depth would improve the product. Aftertaste is on the thin side.
It'll do the trick because I wa in a pinch and wanted something new, but I won't buy it again.
I'm a little confused as to why this whisky is being rated at 1/2 star to 1 star. I actually find it quite a pleasant dram. I don't find it in anyway offensive. Personally, I prefer smokey/peaty single malts, which is contrary this husky. Howevet, for me, the Founder's Reserve is certainly acceptable to my palette.
