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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Smooth and doesn't leave you sounding like a pirate when you talk, love definitely switching
I love whiskey but I have never been a scotch person. I can honestly say this is the first scotch I really truly enjoy! It's super smooth with great baquet of flavors. I drink it neat and find it hard to stop once I've started. I don't understand the some of the negative reviews I've read, I think it's fabulous and will be returning for more!
I think 3 out of 5 is fair for it's price point. You get vanilla, fruit, slightly floral and very sweet. You get that it's an oak cask without it being overpowering like some others at the price. Admittedly, it isn't an overly complex whisky. A distinctive warmth and creaminess. I'm not getting the same alcohol 'burn' others describe and personally think some of the reviews it's getting are a bit harsh, comparing it to blends etc. I would say it's an everyday dram, suited to those who like it sweet and perhaps beginners who are looking for something a little more straightforward on the pallete. No real complaints, particularly if found for under £30. Perhaps not comparable to others in the Glenlivet range however.
Pleasant enough but lacking depth of flavour and character.
Got to be one if the worst malts I have tasted. Worse than many blended whisky.
