Macallan 100° Proof 10 Year Old, Sherry Cask, 1991, 57%

The character is built around Oloroso Sherry, with caramel, chocolate and nuts on the nose leading into prune-like fruit and treacle on the palate. That sweetness has a firm counterpoint in crisp malt, pepper, oak and liquorice, while the palate also brings tar and smoke. The long, fruity, malty finish keeps the oak and liquorice in view, with a hint of curry. The contrast feels more compelling than simple sweetness.

The contrast between sweetness and spice is what appeals to me here. Caramel and chocolate sit alongside spices on the nose, while the palate brings treacle into contact with pepper and strong Oloroso Sherry. That gives the sweeter side a firmer edge rather than leaving it to carry the whole impression. There is more going on than that contrast, though: tar and smoke add a darker note to the palate, and the finish moves through fruit and malt toward lingering oak, liquorice and a hint of curry. I like how the spice has a place throughout without obscuring the sherry character. Tar and dust may make this less straightforward for some tastes, but that complexity suits mine.