Balvenie Founder's Reserve 10 Year

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: [bottle link]. 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.

Amazing chocolate and raisin scent. The taste is incredible, and the finish lasts forever with baking chocolate and dried dark fruit. This whiskey seems to improve after being open for a few months in the bottle.

Tried this at a friend's place since they only had fruity options. They didn't know its origin – truly exceptional. Looked it up the next day and was shocked by the price. A wonderful dram, quite expensive due to being discontinued.

The nose presents a strong honey aroma akin to mead, sherry, and a hint of smoke. Clove is present. A whisper of butterscotch aroma, green apple? Perhaps hints of orange or marmalade on the nose.

Wonderful, smooth, easy-drinking single malt. Rounded fruity flavors once it's opened up with some ice.

Remarkably smooth for a scotch, though unfortunately lacking a significant finish.