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 a patch on the 12yo. In fact, not a patch on anything at all...sickly, syrupy swill in a fancy bottle. Wouldn't give it to a mangy dog. It's a joke!
I really like this one, but not a great fan of the 12 year old, so don`t be put off by the comments on here,
Founders reserve is light and inoffensive possibly targeting new whisky drinkers and in that regard it is far better and cheaper than a well known rival in a blue bottle. However it is bland and totally lacking in any depth. It is not a patch on the 12 year old which I have always seen as a staple. I am gutted that another no age statement variant replaces a classic.
Does that release mean that all malts are to fit the price expectations of the asian markets? Disappointing and sad
I bought this by mistake as the light blue packaging is very similar to other far better variants. It is a light no age statement whisky for just over £20. It is inoffensive but has little depth so may be suited to whisky newbies. In it's favour it is far better than another introductory whisky in a blue bottle for almost twice the money. That said I won't be buying it again
