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...
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Some very contrasting reviews here for this one. Anyways this is probably one of the lightest scotches I've ever experienced. It really stands quite heavily in the shadow of the 12yo which while retain it's easy drinking nature has much less complexity and depth. Very much the younger sibling if they were to stand side by side. It has it's place I guess, but for those with a bit of experience with more deeper complex scotches it's really not that satisfying sorry to say, and indeed, no replacement for the 12yo so stock up while you can :)
I like variety,and experimenting with different types of Scotch whisky as a.newcomer to whisky am always amazed at the variety on offer I poured this one while eating a bowl of vanilla I cream,the two were bliss perfect companions....definitely a summer whisky,loved it
I'll start by saying I'm an islay fan, but I always like to try new whisky, and can still appreciate a good whisky even if it isn't to my particular taste. This was a huge disappointment, no depth of flavour, all you get is a bitter, soapy sharp taste . A sweetness comes through, but the toffee is confused by an almost battle between apple and pear to see which one will linger on the tastebuds longest (pear edges it) a sharp bitter thin after taste is left behind. Some people have commented on it being cheap, but for the price £30 there are far nicer whiskies out there (thinking laphroaig, Ardmore legacy, talisker storm or even Sainsbury's own speyside) definitely one to avoid
Nice dram
Great whisky and great price! Very easy drinking whisky.
