An annual edition series where each year a unique selection of casks, each with a distinctive character, is handpicked to create a new Edition that exemplifies the diversity of oak casks used in the maturation of The Macallan whiskies, the Edition Series is a fine expression of the distillery’s approach to whisky-making and the absolute skill of its whisky-makers.
Today, The Macallan continues the story by presenting Edition No. 4. While Edition No. 1 and Edition No. 2 highlighted the influence each cask has on the taste of the whisky and Edition No. 3 provided an insight into the aromas, Edition No. 4 explores the whisky-making process and reveals the structure of the whisky, drawing inspiration from the architecture of the new Macallan Distillery and showcasing the lengths The Macallan goes to when creating single malts.
The Edition No. 4 exposes the role of each cask in the making of the whisky, where the meticulous attention to detail and quality in the oak cask selection brings different dimensions as each cask imparts its own influence to the whisky, delivering surprising aromas and character. For Edition No. 4, the master distiller has handpicked casks to reflect a modern flavour profile while staying true to The Macallan sherry-seasoned oak casks maturation.
European oak sherry-seasoned casks from Tevasa provide the foundation, contributing rich notes of dried fruit and delivering a layer of wood spices and root ginger, while European oak sherry-seasoned casks from Jose y Miguel Martin and Diego Martin Rosado shape the form of the whisky, offering notes of dried fruit, dates and figs. American oak sherry-seasoned casks from Vasyma balance the structure, imparting vanilla, toffees and butterscotch and the capstone which completes the composition is represented through refill sherry-seasoned oak casks, bringing the bright, lively character of citrus fruits.
Overall, it presents a zesty, vibrant and invigorating single malt with an ABV of 48.4% and a natural colour of burnished copper that brings to the fore notes of rounded honey, sweet toffee and citrus fruits, with a long and lasting finish – a whisky that pushes the boundaries of innovation and evokes the passion, tradition and craftsmanship that go into the art of the perfect cask selection. Similarly, the new Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience captures the care, passion and superior craftsmanship that goes into every bottle of The Macallan. The brand’s new home is a modern tribute to its tradition and its natural Speyside environment.