single malt - the macallan 10 years cask strength

cask strength single malt is an acquired taste.
heck, single malt is an acquired taste. and in most circles, one who raves and rants, waxes lyrical even, about single malts is simply a ladida in the crowd.
so, let's just say that going on and on about cask strength is hyper-ladida.
but the macallan 10 years cask strength (which comes in either uk or us editions) is exceptional and the couple of drams i had last night justified the verbosity of those who have imbibed this whisky.
the first whiff of the mahogany liquid revealed a caramel toffee scent with sherry.
no wonder as the pungent and strong whisky is stored in spanish oak and sherry influences of spices such as cloves and ginger and balanced with dried fruits and citrusy chocolate.
the first dram was in a shot glass and it left a fiery peppery trail from the roof to the throat, taking no prisoners along the way. hot and happening and what a mouthful of spirit. the force was strong in this speyside creation.
the next dram had a couple of ice cubes to chill the whisky but it robustly ploughed ahead with little restraint. a fire water by any definition. of course, as this cask strength comes at 58.80 percent alcohol by volume.
a delicious macallan.
impressive. most impressive.