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...
The 12yo has been my favourite malt since a colleague introduced me to it sometime in the 90's I think and I'd wondered why it has been increasingly hard to find. Currently half way through the Founder's Reserve replacement and I don't think it's smooth or subtle enough to be a Glenlivet. Not disastrous, but I will miss the 12yo. Might be tempted to switch to a Glenfiddich or Balvenie. Sad times.
Went looking for a drop of single malt at a local superstore. Have had good Glenlivets before. Hadnt tried this one and found it inelegant and harsh. Now being used as I would a bottle of Bells or Famous Grouse.
The price is same as 12 years but just the taste. It is missing something and it is not smooth. maybe I am comparing with my fav 12 years.
Bring back 12 years.
I've asked at Woolworths for the cheapest possible GOOD single malt and was offered The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve. I am very dissappointed: money down the drain. It tastes like cheaper scotch. I wanted a single malt for it's peatiness, smokiness, complexity to slowly savour. I payed the same price for 10 y.o. single malt at Dan Murphys and now must agree with reviews which say if there is no age on the bottle it's not worth to buy. Grass, pear notes etc describing single malt? This could be good for white wine (or a room spray) but not for $50+ bottle of good scotch. Sorry!
