While the version pictured here is now rare, there are even scarcer iterations that preceded it. My sample was from a 1980s era release that came in a 1 liter Cognac-style bottle seen here: https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/52403/balvenie-founders-reserve. Perhaps whisky needed to pretend it was Cognac back then to command attention. It really shouldn’t have required any help given how excellent its contents are. The nose is more expressive than I typically find on a Balvenie, with honey and floral notes. Milky toffee flavors dominate the palate with an intensity that belies the 43% ABV and linger into the very long finish. There’s a touch of a bone dry white wine to the aftertaste as well. Quite delicious and very different from a modern Balvenie. I wish I had more.