Superlative Speysider from Macallan, this astonishing 25-year-old is one of the most revered whiskeys in the world. It received a perfect 100 out of 100 score from the Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago, 1999. It also received Gold at the International Spirits Challenge.

• Nose: Very fruity, with notes of orange and pear on the nose. Also has a good dollop of sweet spices which develop into an almost smoky character. The sherry on the nose is refined and well balanced, with hints of honey and caramel.
• Palate: Textbook malt delivery which gives way to a mouthful of dried apricots, prunes and figs. Hints of nutmeg and cinnamon weave in and out of an epic whack of honey that only a Speyside distillery of this kind of nobility can produce.
• Finish: A long, full finish that carries fig, spices, chewy oak and a touch of light smoke.