Macallan – 1851 Inspiration (70cl, 41.3%)

This is a Macallan single malt in a 70cl bottle, bottled at 41.3% ABV. It is a replica release that looks back to the 1851 era, when distillers were experimenting with different cask types, and it combines bourbon and sherry oak. The bottles were made by hand to copy the Victorian original, with an uneven surface, small bubbles in the glass, a crooked neck and a slightly egg-shaped body. The corks were driven in by hand and the wax seal was made by dipping. It is described as a lighter Macallan. The nose is fruity and floral with cloves, orange and mango, and the palate is honeyed with cardamom, aniseed and roasted chestnuts. The finish is spicy and peaty.