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...
I have been drinking Glen for many years, enjoyed every sip, and this has fast become my go to. Thank you for GFR!
Just look at the price! This single malt may not explode with flavors or distinction but it is relatively easy drinking with a sweet flavor. It goes down easy and doesn't leave a harsh aftertaste. Sincerely for the price it's not a bad everyday drinker.
More for me.
Regardless of so many negative reviews, I find this to be a delicious, sweet tasting single-malt, and it is my go to for a scotch and ice after work each day. It is priced such that it is affordable to enjoy daily, while saving my older, "more expensive" Glenlivet nectar a for weekends and special occasions.
Really, at my age I should know better than to buy a bottle of cheap single malt and expect it to be anything other than a CHEAP drink. If I had purchased a nip of GFR in a bar I would have taken it back and accused the bartender (undeservedly) of watering his drinks. Without a doubt this is the weakest single malt that I have tasted for a long time. My bottle of Lagavulin actually shivered with embarrassment when I put the GFR next to it on the shelf. Maybe my daughter's boyfriend will drink it with Coca Cola but I doubt it, as the taste is not strong enough to be 'appreciated' over the Coke.
