24.175 Andalusian Daydream

Macallan 15 Year Old 2008, Scotch Malt Whisky Society cask 24.175 Andalusian Daydream, is a single cask single malt Scotch from the Macallan distillery in the Speyside region (SMWS distillery code 24). Distilled on 13 October 2008, it was matured for 15 years first in ex-oloroso butts and then, after the Society combined selected casks at 10 years old, in a first-fill Spanish oak oloroso hogshead and bottled at a natural cask strength of 62.5% ABV, with an outturn of just 318 bottles. It comes in a 700ml bottle. The Society places it in its Deep, rich & dried fruits flavour profile, and its Tasting Panel describes a sherry-led dram of dried fruit, cured ham and toasted nuts that turns darker and more chocolatey with water. Like every SMWS bottling it is presented at cask strength without chill filtration, and the label carries the Society's cask code rather than the distillery name.

Nose: Dried figs and dates with serrano ham, toasted almonds and sherried oak; water brings cocoa powder and Black Forest gateau

Palate: Darker with water: a hint of coal dust, molasses and liquorice

Finish: Ginger wine, cinnamon and hot chocolate

Serve: Neat first, then with a few drops of water to open it up; at full cask strength it rewards patience.