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'm usually a drinker of the 12 and 18; saw this founder reserve for the first time and thought why not? Well I can tell you now why not. Quite simply this spirit is not very good at all. After the pour it is pale in the glass, the nose is underwhelming and on the tongue and palate very harsh. What stood out most was that the finish reminded me of gasoline sipped from a cup cut from a young sapling. It left my tongue numb. I've drank Glenlivet for around thirty five years and this was the worse ever.
The best ever.
There's no point in being hysterical and demanding the return of the 12yo, there simply isn't any left. We've drank it all and it was lovely. China, India and the US have all got massively into drinking single malt and demand has outstripped supply capability. We've seen the same happen at other distilleries (when was the last time you saw Yamazaki 12yo?) and it's simply a symptom of the whiskey industry today. It takes 12 years to make a 12 year old whiskey and hopefully the distilleries are on board with the idea that they need to be stockpiling spirit if demand is going to continue as it is or even keep growing. They need to keep the coffers full so need entry level expressions and unfortunately that means younger spirits at 12yo prices. Let's be honest this founders reserve is terrible. Harsh at first with no depth in the middle and nothing lingering. But there's no point in moaning about it. Try another distillery or distilleries over the next few years and let Glenlivet recouperate enough to get back to producing the whiskey that we love.
The Glenlivet should be embarrassed to have their name on this whisky. It tastes thin and harsh like vodka. It's nearly the worst whisky I have ever had, and sadly, I'm not exaggerating. You're better off with a 10 or 12 year old whisky from any other reputable distillery (e.g., Glenfiddich 12 or Speymalt 10).
I have had a few bottles of this, and as the title says, it's not that bad. OK, It's not a patch on the 15yr or 18yr (my fav), but it's not priced at their level. I got a bottle for £22 from Costco, at that price you cannot really complain. Yes, I would buy it again. Better than drinking Bells or Grouse any day.
