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...
My score reflects the RRP of £37, which is at at premium to the 12. I got it for £20, which is fair enough but this really is no replacement for the 12. The nose has lost refinement and presence. The pear drops and pineapple notes people mention are esters, a sign of young whisky or inactive casks, in this case the former. The palate is fruity but becomes a little hot. And the finish is short. Whisky lovers should see the writing on the wall, the market is being hollowed out. The answer? Be more savvy with your purchases and perhaps be open to other brown spirits like rum and Armagnac.
We the consumers are being treated as fools these days. Yes, the whisky world is changing, but no, this is not the right way to change. This is a very poor whisky and a very hefty price tag. KEEP CLEAR.
We are living in a new world of Scotch. Sad to see even the mighty Glenlivet races to the bottom. FR lacks the punch of the 12yo. I must place it between a blend and an 8yo single malt. - Toronto Tim.
This is a much younger whisky than the 12 year old can you pick it up on the taste, not bad but for the price I wouldn't buy it again, Poor.
What are they doing?? Founders Resreve ? I don't think so. ! Not a patch on the 12 year old THE Glenlivet. Very very disappointing - if you are a Glenlivet man, buy all the 12 year old you can before it disappears in the summer.
