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...
bad bad bad
Love the 12 yr old and decided I had to try this to see what all the fuss was about. of course it's not a 12 yr old as we know it, but honestly I really didn't mind it. I suppose a change in the distilling methods of one of our favourite tipples is always going to draw negative feedback, especially with those who have been savouring Glenlivet 12 yr old for many years. As someone eluded to previously, this would be a fine summer drink, especially here in Australia an I would purchase it again.............as long as the price remains realistic. How old is it though, surely it can't be such a secret!
I've always believed in the mantra; 'there is no bad whisky, just whisky that is better than others' until now. This has nothing going for it what so ever. I find it difficult to expand on this point; the whisky is just a huge let down - and the price! I paid £18 using a voucher and still feel tipped off, if I paid the retail price of ~£35 I would have been gutted. I'd never tell someone to avoid whisky, after all sampling a new whisky is always a learning experience but trust me; avoid this one.
I wonder if many of the reviews are tainted by the fact it's a replacement for THE Glenlivet? As a dram in its own right it's very drinkable and seems to be available for £20 in most places! I've paid far more for far worse! A great bottle to have around for new whisky drinkers as well
I am so disappointed in this whisky I'm not sure what to do with the remainder.
