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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Yet another legendary distillery destroyed by the money men and MBAs. I will never buy another Glenlivet product ever again! The saddest thing about this.....stuff is that the spirit itself is fine. Give it another 10 years in the barrel and it would be nice. As a Scot, I feel genuine national shame that The Japanese now have more integrity than my own people. Rating: zero stars.
Harsh
Harsh
Just got a bottle as a gift. Actually, it was a surprise as I haven’t bought a bottle of Glenlivet for many years. This was smooth and the orange zest flavours really came through! Sweet but not too sweet and a bit soft at 40% (like Basil Haydens). But enjoyable and a flavour profile, which I like, that I haven’t encountered before. Mine was bottled in 2017 - and judging by the comments below, I wonder if there may be a bad batch out there or something.
Creamy but a bit sharp. I wouldn't give it a two. For the price, you're better off getting the 12yr. It should be priced less. That said I enjoyed my bottle, but won't get another.
