EDITION NO. 2 – THE SPIRIT OF COLLABORATION
THE MACALLAN AND EL CELLER DE CAN ROCA
The Macallan has unveiled Edition No. 2, a new limited edition. This latest release brings together seven handpicked cask types from four different bodegas to showcase the strength of co-creation and mastery.
Continuing the diverse story of The Macallan’s oak casks and our obsession with wood, the focus for this limited edition is to unlock the workings of the intricate whisky making process and give people the chance to explore how the whisky was created. From the provenance of the oak to the expert crafting of the cask, the seasoning and the size, it is these diverse components and, in this instance, the distinct personalities of the collaborators, which have ultimately shaped Edition No. 2.
The masters behind this collaboration are Bob Dalgarno, The Macallan’s Master Whisky Maker and the Roca brothers, co-founders of El Celler de Can Roca, twice voted best restaurant in the world. The distinctive and dynamic character of Edition No. 2 has been shaped not only by the use of seven exceptional oak cask types, which contribute up to 80% of the character of The Macallan, but by the creative spirit of each of the four collaborators.
The whisky is crafted from seven different cask types handpicked by the collaborators to represent different aspects of their personality. The European oak Tevasa casks selected by Bob Dalgarno define and carry the shape of Edition No. 2 with characteristic notes of rich, dried fruit. This speaks of his ever curious, patient and empathetic character.
This is closely followed by notes of green wood and toffee from the Diego Martin casks selected by Joan Roca, American and European. These casks bring to life the generous, reflective and passionate nature of this co-creator. The notes of allspice and ginger come from the European oak Jose Miguel Martin casks selected by Josep Roca which denote his complexity, warmth and maturity. Finally, notes of citrus and light vanilla combine from the American oak Vasyma butts and puncheons chosen by pastry chef Jordi Roca which reflect the lively and vivacious aspects of his larger than life personality.
Spain is a key element in the story of Edition No. 2. Not only is it the home of the Roca brothers, it is one of the most influential factors in the final character and profile of The Macallan, due to the extent of the cask production and seasoning that takes place across the country. The seven cask types that underpin Edition No. 2 have been taken from four Spanish bodegas – Vasyma, Diego Martin, Jose Miguel Martin and Tevasa.
Bob Dalgarno, The Macallan’s Master Whisky Maker, said: “By collaborating with the Roca brothers we have combined our knowledge of whisky making with their creative culinary expertise. The result – a single malt that challenges expectations.
“The driving force behind the Edition Series is the freedom we have to explore different and distinctive casks, some that might not typically be used in other Macallan whiskies. With wood at the very heart of this series, we very much enjoyed the opportunity to delve into each individual cask, discovering the style and the special influence it can impart on the resulting whisky. The harmony and balance of Edition No. 2 reflects not only the hand selected casks but the relationship that we have been developing with Joan, Josep and Jordi over the last few years – it is a powerful collaboration and one that I have loved being a part of.”
Josep Roca, Sommelier, El Celler de Can Roca, said: “Our shared values and passions with The Macallan are taken a step further with our Edition No. 2 collaboration. Working with Bob to identity casks which reflect each of us personally was truly a unique and magical experience. We are really proud of this partnership and the exceptional whisky created as a result.”
With an ABV of 48.2% for a richer and fuller flavour, Edition No. 2 presents a warm, spicy and complex character that brings to the fore notes of apple, oranges, toffee, dried fruit and vanilla. A complex, yet approachable whisky that challenges expectations and reflects the uncompromising creative spirit of the collaborators.
The Macallan Edition No. 2 is available in specialist whisky retailers for an RRP of £65.
Tasting notes
Colour: The natural colour of Golden syrup.
Aroma: The nose leads with treacle, ginger, toffee apples and rich fruits. Layers of vanilla open into tropical fruits and subtle green wood.
Palate: The palate is warm with spice as cracked black pepper and cloves join with hints of chocolate, brown sugar, oak and nuts. Finally, liquorice and brandy snaps come in as well.
Finish: The finish is full, slow, warm and wonderfully viscous.
About The Macallan:
Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s finest single malt whiskies. The story of The Macallan is built on the Six Pillars, each influencing the whisky in its own distinct way. From the spiritual home of Easter Elchies House; curiously small stills give richness and fruit to the pure spirit; finest cut or the best of the best of the distillation to exceptional oak casks which account for over 80% of the final whisky; natural colour and peerless spirit, The Macallan itself. Wood lies at the heart of The Macallan. The vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, together with true mastery, set it apart from the rest.
For more information on The Macallan, visit www.themacallan.com.
Please savour The Macallan responsibly.
