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 was a great fan of the 12 year old. I now need to find a new favourite malt as this is not.
Very young, very green and spirity. Almost grassy on the palate. Cooking whisky, little more. Avoid!
Whisky The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve to strzał w dziesiątkę. Smaki łączą się w niej idealnie. Bukiet smakowy bardziej jak poprawny:) Polecam trunek. To whisky pełne smaków. Degustacja to przyjemność. POLECAM
Our friends at Glenlivet will only learn the hard way. At best a sub par expression of Glenlivet, this "gift" is a far cry fron the traditional 12 year old that was my introduction into the world of single malts. Back to the drawing board Glenlivet.
It is a very dull, without much flavor
