The nose on this dram is quite typical of the style and easily identifiable as a Macallan, with their signature sherry cask scent. I get tawny grape skins, stale almonds, wood spice akin to powdered ginger, a mix of dried apricot and prune, an undercurrent of clean sweet barley malt, and the faintest hint of woodsmoke. On the palate it’s less sweet than expected, with an initial burn of alcohol. As it mellows, it becomes sweeter with a floral note, almost like rose syrup. Fruity notes appear reminiscent of pluot and Asian pear. There’s definitely some spiciness, pink pepper, ginger and a pinch of nutmeg. A citrus note of burnt orange peel shows up as well. The mouthfeel is good not great, but the legs develop quite slowly and take their time as they travel down the glass in a fairly even curtain. The finish is drying, with plenty of tannic nuttiness, toffee sweetness, some raisins, and mild chocolatey smoke. In the end, I’m reminded of a slightly burnt fruitcake. Take your time with this one. Aroma: 8 Taste: 7 Body: 7 Finish: 8 Overall: 75 pts.