Taster

Nose: Fresh, moist dates, toffee apple, herbs and spices. Crystal clear Fino, perfectly sculpted oak.

Palate: An immediate caress of sherry then wave of broiling spices pop against the taste buds.

Finish: Much more restrained with bigger oaky notes but long and very chewy.

Comment: This is simplified summary of a breathlessly complex Macallan. Their finest bottling in years. Magnificent.

Score: 9.3

Taster

Nose: Fino sherry, with that typical hint of dry acidity. Earthy. Mushroom-like. White peppercorns. Cumin seeds.

Palate: Very firm, nutty, maltiness. Dry. Oaky, resiny. Extraordinarily intense.

Finish: Big. Herbal. Pepper. Salt. Surprisingly peaty.

Comment: When I tasted this bottling, I was shocked by its spiciness. When I had recovered my composure, I gradually began to find it very more-ish.

Score: 9