Macallan 12 Year Old, Sherry Cask, 1980, 43%

The honey and fresh apple blossom on the nose bring a softer edge to the dried fruit and sherry sweetness. That makes for an inviting opening, particularly if you prefer fruit and sweetness with just a little spice. The palate is richer, with sultanas, marmalade and dark chocolate alongside a hint of spice. There’s a pleasing shift from the lighter floral note to those deeper flavours, without losing the fruit that ties them together. The finish is a firmer contrast: oak and sherry linger with black pepper, stem ginger and clove. That spicy tingle could be a reservation if you’re hoping for the gentleness of the nose all the way through. For my taste, the softer opening and richer palate are the draw, while the finish keeps this from being an entirely easygoing choice.