Time for another dram!
Glen Garioch 1797 Founder's Reserve
A Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky aged in Bourbon and Sherry Casks.
A bit about!
Founded in 1797 by John and Alexander Manson, Glen Garioch, pronounced Glen 'Geery' is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. It's located in Aberdeenshire, in the Scottish Highlands. As far as I can tell, they only produce Non-Chill Filtered Single Malts with an ABV between 48% and 57.8%.
The Glen Garioch 1797 Founder's Reserve was launched in 2009 and has won a few gold medals at International Spirits Competitions throughout the years.
Time to try it!
For me, Glen Garioch Founder's Reserve is a bit harsh on the palate to begin with. It has 48% ABV but feels slightly more than that as you have the first sip.
It has a lot of lime zest and barley in its taste but adding a drop of water opens up all the fruitiness and sweetness with toffee/butterscotch notes and lets you appreciate the raisin and vanilla tones on the nose.
The finish is slightly oaky with a bit of fresh apple slice.
Pros and cons
Most reviews I've seen/heard were very mixed, either praising it for the flavours or complaining about the ABV.
If you're not used to higher-ABV whiskies, it might seem a bit harsh, but it certainly has a lot of character to offer.
Adding a splash of water or even an ice cube seems to mellow things down a bit, making it a bit more palatable, and enabling you to fully enjoy everything it has to offer.
In Conclusion
Priced at around £40 on most UK websites, The Glen Garioch Founder's Reserve is an interesting no-age-statement dram to sample. If you get a chance, I'd say give it a try, with or without a splash of water, I highly doubt you'll regret it.
I know that for some whisky enthusiasts (and connoisseurs) adding anything to whisky is sacrilegious but I think I would prefer it if someone enjoys a whisky with a drop of water than not enjoying it at all.
As always, please drink responsibly and if you have tried this particular whisky please let me know in the comments below what you think of it.
I hope life is treating you well.
Take care.