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...
Picked up a half bottle of this for £10. Bargain? No it is not . Sweet and grainy like a cheap blend. Avoid.
I was very sorry to have bought this, and even more sorry to hear that this will be replacing the 12 year as the entry level Glenlivet. It starts off plain and uninspiring before progressing to an uncomfortable alcoholic burn at the end. It has no subtlety or texture to it, and is a terrible insult to the Glenlivet brand - a sad indictment of a world where the need to satisfy growing demand overpowers the need for quality. I would rate it as better than a Johnny Walker Red, but it's nevertheless destined for use as a mixer in my house.
I bought this the other night and can only express complete disappointment in the product. The best comment reading below is "In both smell and taste, you can still feel the raw unmatured whisky that is being poured into the casks for maturing". Great comment. Don't waste your money (or try as an entry level Scotch). There are plenty of whiskys (both Scotch and not) that are worlds above this product. Might be good for mixing with ginger ale.
Definitely needs more time for maturation. Rough on the finish like a cheap whisky. Not impressed. Will just stick to the Glen 15 from now on if 12 being replaced.
Tried it neat during a whisky tasting the other night. Didn't care for it as I tasted too much banana, cinnamon, orange spice and not enough of typical whisky. You know, smoke, vanilla, toasted grain, toffee, etc... I went back to it Thanksgiving night with a splash of cold water...what a difference! I got vanilla, toasted marshmallow, toffee, a little oak smoke and yes, some honeysuckle. Not a bad dram at all.
