Glen Garioch 1797 Founders Reserve

There's been quite a bit of gnashing of teeth and flights of invective regarding the number of "no age statement" whiskies being forced upon the drinking public. The diminishing of aged stock has been a growing problem for all producers for some time now, and has finally reached a point where creative blending and marketing schemes are required in order for some to remain financially solvent. Of course, NAS whiskies can be very good - even spectacular - but many are mediocre at best. The 1797 Founder's Reserve is Glen Garioch's entry into the NAS market. It is a very good whisky, and kudos must be given to the distillery for releasing it at a hefty 48%. If Glen Garioch is sparing with their old stock, they are equally sparing with the diluting water - at least they give us a drink that allows for some serious tasting.

Nose: Spicy with some upfront caramel fudge notes. Citrus and green apple emerge late.

Palate: Fairly light body. Barley sweetness haloed by tingling spices. A "nip and pinch" bitter-sweet middle, then dries slowly. Warming with nice mouth feel.

Finish: Quite long with spice predominating. Wood tannins also make an appearance. Seriously chewy!

Notes: Hwyl fawr, Stanley, old mate.

N: light fruit, green apple, vanilla, restrained, W/ H2O opens up slightly, no development. P: spicy, sharp arrival, some summer fruits,medium sweet, burns/hot F: burn continues, medium finish Overall - not the best GG i'v had, the 15yld is far better n mature. Not a bad dram but immature.

This is one of the most controversal whiskies I've tried so far. It has some interesting and powerfull flavours (due to high ABV 48%) and quite bad behaved young spirit at the same time.

Nose: initially rubber, pastry, spice; over time toffee, sultanas, some citrus, butter, ripe apple, heather. Quite complex nose, developing different flsvours over the time.

Palate: spicy, vanilla, sweet, apple, raisins; over some time: grass and pine and some bitterness.

Finish: dried fruits, apple, apricot, bit of peat, vanilla, cherry.

As said, this is very interesting and vibrant whisky. Fluctuating, transforming, rebelous, young and fresh. But quite alcoholic and unbehaved. Someone will find this a benefit, but for my taste it's a bit too wild) I wish it was longer matured. Gotta try 12yo version.