Taster

Nose: Sherry not obvious - Fino? Leafy, peaty, woody.

Palate: An altogether more elegant, wistful, style than today's Macallans. Some sweetness and floweriness, but the outstanding feature is an astonishingly fresh peat-smoke flavour.

Finish: Gentle but lingering and warming, leaving smoky memories.

Comment: Paler in colour and lighter in body, but what a palate...great Speyside whiskies once tasted like this.

Score: 9

Taster

Nose: A subtle hint of sandalwood, polished oak and sweet pipe smoke is no match for the extraordinary, ripe plum fruitiness and crystal-clear sweet malt. Quite exhilarating.

Palate: Deep and spiced with aged oak from the off. Massively dry through the middle but there are some richer, digestive biscuity malt notes which ensure stability.

Finish: Bitter-sweet, slightly salty, waxily honied and smoky. The oaky notes are the ones which last longest.

Comment: This is just a shade over-aged unlike the 1946. Even so, the intense, complex middle does offer certain riches. The nose is exceptional.

Score: 7