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 must admit that I prefer a peated malt, but this is very palatable with a very enjoyable after taste. I picked it up for £20 on special at my local supermarket and very glad that I did with one caveat that at £35 I may have been slightly disappointed. Keep the price right and you're onto a winner.
As an avid whiskey drinker I saw the founder reserve and eagerly anticipated the first drop. From all the fine whiskey I could of choose from I felt this drop would of hit the spot. How wrong could I be , this whiskey is utter hogwash , the only thing right about it is the colour . It's about as smooth is as a the Rocky Mountains and taste like it should cost 25$ a bottle. Avoid at all cost especially in Australia at 70$ a bottle !!!
I've read the press... This is meant to attract people to whisky. Sorry but someone was jesting with you if this past the taste tests! I'm going to miss the 12 year old. At least I've got a bottle stashed away. Please don't touch the 18 year old which is my favourite!
What a joke. No body, pure waste of money
The expected result when accountants make marketing decisions. To not have the integrity to ascribe an age to the product is selling the public short. Have been drinking the 12 Year Old for 40+ years. There are alternatives, you short-sighted accountants.
