Glen Garioch Founder's Reserve

This was a bit of a disappointment and all round distinctly average imo. The nose was pleasant but plain, with notes of bread, honey, trifle, some ethanol and, after a while in the glass, werthers and musty raspberries. The arrival is sharp and harsh enough to cause a little shudder. (Just a little shudder, mind you. Not a lot. Not like James Caan at a tollbooth. I’m man enough to handle 48%. Honest!) It develops to some orange, spice and oak and doesn’t really soften. Same on the finish, with a lasting numbness. Tasted from a sample and I’m not at all inclined to seek out again.

Glen Garioch Founder's Reserve (since 1797) has had a lot of time to refine their process. This bottle was a gifted favourite from a friend of mine who looks to this as their go-to dram. With its pear and honey nose, it's easy to understand why. It's beautifully comforting. That said, while neat, the heat-filled first sips will jolt you awake with its caramel spicy tones and an oak-y herbal finish. Enjoyable on a weeknight. 7.5/10

First impression of the nose is the funkiness. If you've ever sprouted grains, it's pretty unmistakable. The malt, in the malted barley-- it's not as prominent in other scotches I've had, which is fairly limited. I don't know if that's an indicator of a young whiskey or what. This is followed by fruitiness-- lemon, some apple or pear. There's some fatty sweetness, like custard or creme brulee. Taste is very much similar. Really emphasizes the creamy dessert feature of the nose. The funk makes it almost like a cheesecake. Medium finish, and mouthfeel. Great for NAS single malt under $50.