Taster

Nose: Clove, incense, coffee grounds, raisin, date, liquorice, rubber and a hint of rancio.

Palate: There's gunky earth tones, coal fires/soot but also a lovely bramble fruitiness. Spicy, figgy clove.

Finish: Bone dry, cigar smoke, dried malt.

Comment: A bit scary. A 50 Years Old malt with stunning balance and vivaciousness...but I can't afford it on my wages.

Score: 9.5

Taster

Nose: An evocative sootiness over oaky Calvados aromas.

Palate: Sweet, treacly, start. Quickly moves to peppery, earthy, peaty and burnt flavours. Phenol. Some sulphur.

Finish: Oaky, woody.

Comment: I am a great devotee of the older Macallans, but this one is too woody for me.

Score: 8.3