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...
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A lovely whisky with ice. Probably my favourite tipple
To all who’ve commented negatively on this whisky, please remember, we all taste things differently. My better half almost tosses her cookies at the taste or smell of cinnamon. You can’t ignore the three gold and three silver medals awarded GL-FR and the tasters are much more qualified than ANYONE on this site.
Very harsh. Disappointing. I have never tasted Glenlivet before, pretty sure the others should be decent as otherwise this brand wouldn't be famous. But this one is bad. Pure tannic acid and ethanol, nothing else. Just like sucking a piece of freshly chopped oak.
Pleasant smooth with an aftertaste of ice cream and banana . A party drink that would appeal to the young as well as the conniseur
I love this whiskey and am surprised at the harsh reviews on here. I think this is one you have to try and see if it suits your palate. I’ve just bought an 18 yr Glen Dronach and love that, so surely my own palate can’t be that bad !!
