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...
A lovely single malt for the price. The finish is a little harsh perhaps, but the toffee through the nose & on the palate more than compensates. Very clean tasting & I'd suggest, best enjoyed after a rich or heavy meal. Has it's place in any collection.
As a fan of sweet whisky, this is a good one. Goes down easy and the more you have the enjoyable it gets.
It was rough it was rubbish when you compare it to The Glenlivet 12 year old which I have been lucky enough to have over numerous years prior to that I drank George J.G Smiths Glenlivet it was unbelievable to have come from the Glenlivet distillery. Do they think selling rubbish like this will sell just because it has the Glenlivet on the label, whoever did the tasting for Glenlivet should give up there job as the best it should be used for is as a cleaning agent.
Not smooth at all. Went down like gasoline.
What a disappointment
