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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“Let them eat cake” And drink Founder’s Reserve
The Glenlivet 15yr old is one of the loveliest malts I have ever tasted.. I liked it so much I bought a few bottles I was so impressed. The Founders Reserve was a mega disappointment. Thank goodness I tasted their classic 15yr old before tasting Founders Reserve. All I can say is first timers to Glenlivet would think it a poor show if their first dram was a Founders. Its bound to be tarnishing their great name. Its okay if your not fussy or have tasteless tastebuds but then it should be the same price as the way much better non aged Glen Moray Classic instead of ripping people off with a cheap substitute.
After my second bottle, not all at once of course, I'm liking this better than the 12 year old that's been a staple in my bar for over 25 years. With or without ice but always slightly chilled this is one of the best bargains of single malt scotch for my money. Thanks for a lovely drink.
Disgusting. Glenlivet 12 year old was my favourite whiskey, an incredible product that I drank regularly. The founders reserve which was designed to replace the 12 year old is a rank, low quality, cheap alternative, I assume to help try to increase their revenue by destroying their name. I would have happily paid more for the 12 year old instead of replacing with a product more comparable to a blended malt like Bells.
I feel cheated. Always found Glenlivet ok as a brand but here, they sold their soul. I can drink it if I have a cold, but luckily, that's not very often.
