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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Nose is elegant with fruity notes like pears, orange and raisins. Palate is sweet and very fruity. No bitterness from the oak cask presumably because of the first use oak barrels as manufacturers state. However there is no age statement so this whisky may be a younger malt one. But overall elegant and beautiful so much the better than most of the 12 year old blended whiskies.
This is the smoothest scotch I have ever sipped
It is nothing like the 12 year old. It is an inferior whiskey in taste. Not bad but the 12 year old is much better.
No more to add
Nasty poorly aged whisky . Initial pleasant taste from added flavours which soon fade. Poor , albeit not as bad as Haig Club. The 12yo is one if the best, thank God it is available again! Founders Reserve was a mistake.
