Taster

Nose: Sulphury. Heavy. Warm tyre. Hint of turpentine. Slightly herbal. Eucalyptus. That rubber/turpentine note fades away and leads way to some fruit.

Palate: Oily. Smooth at first then some oak grip which releases more sourness than bitterness. And back to sweet fruity flavours. Apples cooked in caramel.

Finish: Dry, slightly dusty. The alcohol tends to numb the tongue.

Comment: A dash of water cuts the edges and brings out toffee and cream.

Score: 7.9

Taster

Nose: Rich. Fruit cake, marzipan and lots of beeswax notes, a highly polished floor of a stately pile. The sweetness is akin to dried apricot and sultana; brazil nut, heather, dark chocolate and resin.

Palate: Clean with light tannin. More citric elements here than on the nose. Black banana, dried fruit, liquorice. I prefer its boldness when neat, but water takes it back to the almond area and reveals slightly more oiliness.

Finish: Gentle. Walnut whip. Great balance.

Comment: A classic Macallan.

Score: 9.1