Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak Scotch Whisky

Dark amber color. Full aromas of tar, dried fruit, old leather, must, damp earth, sea salt, and flowers (perhaps lillies?). Brief glycerine, macadamia nut, and creamy notes at first, then opens slowly into a big, round, pungent single malt. Malty sweetness follows, then the acidity picks up with subtle citrus peel, herbal, maraska cherry pit, and star anise flavors. The peat is relatively subdued. Finishes with astringent heat and ginger spice for a long, prickly 3-4 minutes. This Macallan was bottled in 1980. Tasted 6/18/2008.