Macallan just doesn't excite me. This is good, but I guess the same Macallan sherry and barrel finishing that make people love Macallan always leads me to not love Macallan..... because it just tastes like Macallan. I really enjoyed the #6 because it skewed to a darker, richer place than others. This one was really good but not worth buying again at around $110, although I've now seen it at closer to $500+, so maybe it is worth buying at $110. The focus is on the wood and that is the predominant taste. There's zesty oak, a puff of char, and some fruity sweetness that all come from the wood. Beyond that, it's mostly Macallan sherry. Crisp apple, toffee, wood spices like clove and nutmeg. It has a pretty long finish that reminds you it's Macallan. I wish I had nicer things to say about something I gave 4 stars but I'm very conflicted....damn you rating systems.