Gordon & MacPhail (distilled at Glen Grant) 60 year old, 42.3%

Rich gold. Superb mature nose with subtle whisky rancio, mixing fragrant mango with a little mint, rosewater, and waxiness; there's even some custard and a whiff of woodsmoke before sandalwood brings back the exotic edge. The palate is delicate with an amazingly fresh acidity that becomes herbal (basil and tarragon). It's late summer, when there's a sense of the year turning, and you allow fond memories to gently wash over you. £7,800