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...
Having heard people say this is similar to the 12 year old, then gone and at a bottle, I'm baffled. It's a young whisky, hardly comparable, which one would think ?
I don't understand all the negative reviews. I found it to be very smooth and quite tasty. Next time, I'm buying two bottles.
No nose, no complexity, poor finish and an aftertaste that resembles aviation fuel. ...... sorry boys, but you are doing it wrong
Its ok, but it is not up to your 12 year old
Same price as 12yo but falls far short on quality. Can tell straight from the off that this is mainly a young whisky. 6 maybe 7 years?
