Taster

Nose: Rich, luscious. Candied chestnut (marron glacé). Crème brûlée. A liquid dessert menu. Cigar box. Mushrooms.

Palate: Sweet and nutty. Wood prevails, but with a high standard of elegance. Port flavours (chocolate, eucalyptus, touch of cherry).

Finish: Long, lingering and refined.

Comment: A classic, classy Macallan with added richness. A splendid autumnal dram. Perfect match for dark chocolate cake.

Score: 9

Taster

Nose: Very oaky, but Macallan spiciness and apple esters come through.

Palate: Chewy, malty, sweet, rum butter flavours. Sherryish. Some woody astringency.

Finish: Peppery. Powerful. Very long. Warming.

Comment: Still recognisably Macallan, but the dark claret colour sounded a wood warning. I am forgiving of woodiness, but this approached my limits. Other malt-lovers may be more tolerant.

Score: 8.5