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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Bought this as a back up dram over the Christmas period, mild and floral....OK for 20 pounds. I had just finished a bottle of Talisker Skye when I moved onto this so was quite underwhelmed with the mild taste which disappeared quickly. Just OK for 20 pounds, would feel cheated if I had paid full money for this. Just a bit on the dull side.
It isn't a 5*. Probably 3 and a half. However, I feel like there's an undercurrent of snobbery surrounding this whisky, so I'm trying to redress the balance. Glenlivet is an excellent distillery and, perhaps due the fact that they seem to be withdrawing the much-loved 12 year old, in favour of this genre of No-Age-Statement expression, LIKE EVERY OTHER DISTILLERY (sorry, was I shouting?) has attracted the wrath of a traditionalist community but, actually, this is a pretty good single malt. Not orgasmic and not outstanding but pretty good. If they withdraw the 15 year old, I'm changing sides, though. Ian
This is a prime example of why restricting oneself to a particular brand is folly. I do not doubt that 'Glenlivet' make some good whisky, but the 'Founders Reserve' does not qualify in my book. It tastes so watery and bland. There's no real harshness to it, but that's about the only positive thing I can say about it. For the asking price avoid. From what I've tried of the rather decent but far cheaper Aldi 'Glen Marnoch' range (the 'Speyside' and 'Highland Rum Finish' - I've yet to try Lidl's Ben Bracken range) is much better than this!
Theres nothing exciting about this, young rough spirit, tame background fruit and absolutely no notes of interest. It's not bad, but it's by far the worst whisky I've had bar bells.
Not the worst whisky to pass my lips. However it is most defiantly not worth its price tag. Think grouse but £10 more expensive. Yet another let down from the no age statement revolution.
