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...
Poor flavor and sad from such a great company. I would ship the bottle back to them with a letter stating I would never buy from them again if this is what can not be expected
Loved it. Will buy another bottle.
Bought this at the local Tesco on trust. Saw the Gelnlivet brand from a distance and a nice looking box and assumed it would be good by association with past pleasures. Well done marketing team. You fooled me. Reading the reviews below looks like you fooled most of us. This is pig swill. How dare you. On my first sip I thought - hang on? What's going on here. Better have another sip. Ah-ah. It's still bile. Grab the box and look for the age. Nowhere. Anywhere. Clever. Don't tell em'. Just cover the box with loads of bullcrap about George Smith and the timeless primeval valley. Shame on you, Glenlivet and your over paid marketers. But you're short term gain will be long term loss. Guaranteed.
Bring back the 12 ... Please !
I picked it up for 15 EUR and I felt pretty good while drinking it. If I paid for it as for the 12 year old then I would feel myself cheated and robbed. It is just another NAS, which should stay in barrels for additional 3-5 years…
