The Glenlivet Scotch Single Malt Founder's Reserve

Wine Enthusiast 96 points - Delicate and complex, this newly released Scotch boasts scents of maple sugar and spice, and unfurls on the palate with a distinctly floral start that evolves into creamy vanilla, honey, sarsaparilla and baking spice. Light and silky, it almost feels effervescent on the tongue, finishing with a perky herbal note reminiscent of hops..Kara Newman, December/2015

Ultimate Beverage Challenge 97 points - Stone fruit, lemon zest and honeysuckle get a savory aromatic counterpart from smoked hay on the nose. Light on the tongue with elegant flavors of honeyed barley and hard toffee. A gentle spice balances the silken texture..April/2016

First revealed towards the end of 2014, the Founder's Reserve is now available in the UK and will be replacing the 12 year old in many of the mature markets despite initial indications that it would sit beside it, broadening the entry-level options. Named in tribute to distillery founder George Smith, it's packaged in Georgian blue.Nose: Some dates then what at first appears to be a touch of salinity, but is better described as a slightly sharp plum and apricot wine note. There's orange zest, toffee, hints of struck match and chocolate raisins, but before this starts to sound 'Sherried' there's also pear drops, a dusting of sweet cinnamon, honeysuckle and sweet pea.Palate: Fruity, then sweet, more toffee, a touch of anise, then into milk chocolate Flakes, banoffee pie and apple turnovers.Finish: Creamy toffee to the fore now, a little oak and sweet barley sugar warmth too. Milk chocolate raisins linger.