Macallan | $100 and up

"Nose: Much more assertive sherry character. Body: Full, round. Palate: more complexity and fullness of flavour, with flowering currant and Calvados-like notes. Finish: Slow at first, then oaky, sappy, and powerful."

"The luscious Speyside bouquet offers layers of aromas that include smoke, wood, touches of palm oil, browned butter, vanilla bean and pork rind. The palate entry is rich, bittersweet, caramel-like and creamy; at the wonderful midpalate the taste turns sweeter, nuttier and more fudge-like. Finishes elegantly, yet very focused, and integrated. Delicious." 96-100 pts.

"The initial aroma is sweetish, winey and oaky; aeration allows the aroma to expand to include marzipan, treacle, molasses, honey, vanilla bean, cinnamon and cocoa butter. The palate entry is sweet, creamy and assertive; at midpalate the flavor becomes intensely nutty, buttery and bacon fat-like, with the beginnings of rancio. Remains one of Speyside’s standard-bearer 12 year olds." 90-95 pts. Reviewed by: The Wine Enthusiast 90pts

"Rich, golden amber color. Sweet, rich sweet golden raisin, prune, fig, vanilla, and caramel aromas. A smooth entry leads to a rich dryish full-bodied palate with coconut, caramel, and rich brown spices. Finishes with a long spicy dried fruit fade. Forward and rich, yet gentle and balanced with a lovely Sherry character."

This Speyside Malt Whisky is one of only 250 bottles drawn at cask strength from a single oak hogsheadcask no. 1052. Bottled in April 2011. 51.3%abv.

Distilled 9/1969. Bottled 10/2006. Cask No. 8360. 45.8% abv.