Duncan Taylor The Octave Premium Macallan 1991 (48.8% abv)

Colour: Pale Gold

Nose: Nutty toffee brittle covered in milk chocolate. A big bomb of dark chocolate, sherried fruits mainly cherries and plums. Very intense, almost floral, with just a hint of toasted oak raising its head. Christmas frit cake with sugar icing and marzipan.

Palate: Surprisingly fresh, with wonderful depth and complexity. The sherry notes are powerful and compelling. The initial sweetness is offset by the arrival of a complex spiciness, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Chewy, meaty texture with nutty and toffee notes that persist.

Finish: Wonderfully balanced and complex. The spice fades to a deep, warming and gently spiced raisin finish. A touch of oak and leather appears at the end of the long, long finish.