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...
Not worth its price poor representation bring back the 12
Awful stuff. Very disappointing. Burns the tongue.
Tastes weak. Not a lot of flavor. I feel Glenlivet 12 is the best bang for your buck and this is a disappointment.
I am a fan of Glenlivet 12 year and saw this in the store at a similar price point. I was looking for something I had not tried and gave it a shot. I was disappointed from the first taste. To me, this was almost undrinkable neat. While it as passable on the rocks I would not purchase again. I found a similar or more pleasurable experience in drinking cheaper scotches.
I prefer non-smoky (peated) sweet and smooth scotch, which is why I prefer speyside whiskies. That's exactly what I got with this bottle. I don't claim to be a scotch expert, but I am an experienced whisky drinker. One must remember that this is not an ordinary scotch, as it is aged in American bourbon barrels. Perhaps this is why in partial to it while these Europeans are not.
