Edition No. 1 (2015): A Symphony of Cask Selection
The Macallan Edition No. 1 marks the beginning of the series, setting the tone for the entire collection. The focus of this edition was to highlight the influence of wood on whisky flavor. For Edition No. 1, The Macallan used eight distinct European and American oak cask types to create a rich and complex profile. This whisky is noted for its deep, warm tones of dried fruits, vanilla, and a hint of spice, culminating in a velvety smooth finish.
Tasting Notes: Rich dried fruit, toffee, vanilla, and cinnamon with a warm, oaky finish.
Cask Selection: European and American oak casks.
ABV: 48%
Edition No. 2 (2016): A Collaboration of Masters
The Macallan Edition No. 2 took a more collaborative approach. For this release, the whisky was co-created by The Macallan’s master whisky maker, Bob Dalgarno, and the three Roca brothers, founders of the world-renowned El Celler de Can Roca restaurant in Spain. The result was a whisky with a unique and intricate flavor profile that reflects the craftsmanship of both whisky and culinary worlds. The cask selection for this edition includes seven types of European and American oak casks, bringing forward notes of vanilla, dried fruit, ginger, and toffee.
Tasting Notes: Dried fruits, nutmeg, and ginger, with a balanced sweetness of vanilla and toffee.
Cask Selection: European and American oak casks.
ABV: 48.2%
Edition No. 3 (2017): A Celebration of Aroma
Edition No. 3 was a celebration of aroma and fragrance, created in collaboration with Master Perfumer Roja Dove. With an emphasis on scent, this release highlighted the role of whisky's bouquet in the tasting experience. The careful selection of European and American oak casks for this edition created a whisky with a highly aromatic profile, offering notes of florals, vanilla, toffee, fresh fruit, and spice.
Tasting Notes: Vanilla, florals, fresh-cut oak, orange, and chocolate.
Cask Selection: European and American oak casks.
ABV: 48.3%
Edition No. 4 (2018): A Tribute to The Macallan Distillery
The Macallan Edition No. 4 was designed to celebrate the opening of The Macallan’s newly constructed distillery, combining the brand's architectural precision with its whisky-making expertise. This edition highlighted the structural complexity of the whisky, using a variety of casks that ranged from first-fill American and European oak to seasoned sherry casks. The whisky was characterized by its bold and rich flavors, with deep layers of fruit, spice, and chocolate.
Tasting Notes: Bold, sweet toffee, dried fruits, and nutmeg with a lingering, oaky finish.
Cask Selection: European and American oak casks.
ABV: 48.4%
Edition No. 5 (2019): A Tribute to Natural Color
The Macallan Edition No. 5 is a celebration of the whisky’s natural color, a result of The Macallan’s commitment to never using artificial colorants. This release was created in partnership with the Pantone Color Institute, and the bottle’s striking purple hue reflects this collaboration. The whisky inside is a vibrant and harmonious blend of flavors, with sweet toffee, fresh fruit, and a hint of spice.
Tasting Notes: Sweet toffee, caramel, fresh pear, lemon, and oak spice.
Cask Selection: 100% American oak casks.
ABV: 48.5%
Edition No. 6 (2020): A Homage to the River Spey
The final installment in the series, The Macallan Edition No. 6, was inspired by the natural landscape surrounding the Macallan distillery, particularly the River Spey. This river is crucial to the distillery’s heritage and plays an important role in the whisky-making process. Edition No. 6 was crafted using a combination of American and European oak casks, resulting in a fresh, lively whisky with a deep connection to nature.
Tasting Notes: Fresh fruits, chocolate, nutmeg, and rich spices, with a hint of oak.
Cask Selection: A combination of American and European oak casks.
ABV: 48.6%
The Significance of The Macallan Edition Series
The Macallan Edition Series stands as a testament to the brand’s innovation and expertise in crafting exceptional single malts. Each edition within the series emphasizes different aspects of the whisky-making process, from wood management and collaboration with master craftsmen to exploring the role of aroma and natural color. For collectors, owning the full set of The Macallan Edition Series is an achievement, as the series has become increasingly rare and valuable. Over the years, the bottles have appreciated significantly in value, with limited stock and high demand driving prices even higher.
Conclusion
The Macallan Edition Series is more than just a collection of whisky bottles—it's a journey through the art of whisky-making, where each edition tells its own unique story. Whether you're a seasoned whisky collector or an enthusiast, having the full set of The Macallan Edition Series is a nod to the craftsmanship and tradition of one of the world’s most iconic distilleries. Each bottle offers a distinctive experience, yet they all share a common thread: the dedication to excellence that defines The Macallan brand.
