Tastes

Nose: apricots, green apple, spicy Palate: earthy, very spicy, citrus Finish: oaky, caramel, slight smoke Typical ballechin profile kicked up a notch, although I was expecting more peat smoke and less ethanol burn, especially considering the age. With a few drops of water, the smoke is more forward on the nose and palate.

Light and creamy, mostly honey and vanilla notes. Much smoother than the 12 year but still not as good as some of the older 12 year bottlings.

Nose: sherry, almonds Palate: spicy, sherry, cream Finish: orange, oaky Somehwere between the Lumina and the Enigma of this series. Two steps up from the standard macallan.

Nose: orange, apple Palate: more citrus, vanilla Finish: light, honey, cream This is okay but not really my preferred style.

Light and sweet, honey, toasted nuts, vanilla. Very basic.

Tastes like a slightly more flavorful standard macallan. Not bad but not great

Nose: sherry, apricot, orange Palate: velvety, oak, spice, fruity Finish: a bit hot, spicy, rich Definitely an amped up macallan. Would be even better if it wasnt for the heat.

Nose: vanilla, toasted nuts Palate: thin, cream, barley Finish: apples, herbal Maybe a little smoother than standard jameson but overall is pretty underwhelming.

Nose: berries, earth Palate: apricot, apple, peat, raspberries Finish: a tad harsh, peat smoke, fruits Definitely a step up from the standard McCarthy’s offering which is already pretty good.