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...
Yes, Mr. George Cowley maybe wouldn't like it but i do. :)
Young scotches often get kicked to the curb, with drinkers thinking that youth means simplicity. Not true at all. A young Islay can be remarkable. And anyone remember the Glen Garioch 8? Alas, the Glenlivet FR is the kid who can only talk about Star Wars. Sweet citrus and, well, not much else. Recommended on ice with a good distraction.
Not much to it, but it's a perfectly drinkable dram. For the price, it's fine. A good entry-level scotch for somebody just getting into it.
Quite a sad replacement of the 12yo ... Personally I don't like NAS, so that might be part of this (bad) experience ... but I guess I'll try to get me some old 12yo bottles!
This tasted like a 3 year old whisky. Fine. Not a problem. Except for one thing - there's nothing to it at all. There are mid range blends out there that blow this out the water for half the price! Glenlivet, what have you done?
