The Macallan has unveiled Concept Number 2 – an expression that is inspired by the similarities between crafting whisky and creating music – and is available only in travel retail.
It will first be available at The Macallan Boutiques at Taoyuan International Airport and London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, plus Dubai Duty Free from December 2019. It will then roll out to key airports globally from January 2020 at an RRSP of US$150/£120/€135.
This is the second release in the Concept Series – a collection that fuses The Macallan’s whisky making with innovative art, music and culture. Concept Number 2 brings together music and whisky – two of the passions of The Macallan Whisky Maker Steven Bremner, who is also an avid house music DJ.
Bremner said: “Music has inspired many aspects of my life, both creatively and practically, as has whisky, so the creation of Concept Number 2 allowed me to look at my two passions through a different lens.
“Creating a track and crafting a single malt can take a similar path. Beginning with the layering of sounds just like the layering of different flavours from specific cask types. Each different cask brings its own influence to the character of the liquid, like each instrument, or sound, adds depth to a track. In both cases, we can alter each different element to play up or down particular sounds or flavours.”
Edrington Global Travel Retail Managing Director Suzy Smith said: “Following the positive reaction to Concept Number 1, we are delighted to reveal the second Concept release – which again highlights our evolving, innovative approach to travel retail-exclusive products. We are committed to enhancing and developing the offer for our global consumers and GTR partners and Concept Number 2 underlines our ongoing strategy to focus on premiumisation, brand-building and recruitment.”
For Concept Number 2, sherry-seasoned American oak casks bring “a rhythmic sweetness of vanilla, citrus and toffee,” said Edrington. “The rounded spiciness of Miguel Martin sherry casks create an energetic treble while ex-bourbon casks introduce harmonies of floral citrus and vanilla,” it added.
Tasting notes:
Colour: Sunburst gold.
Nose: Rich toffee apple, with vanilla, warming oak spice and blackberry. Hints of nutmeg, rose water and pistachio.
Palate: Sweet toffee and dried apple with almond, cinnamon and gentle rounded wood spice.
Finish: Medium sweet, smooth with hints of spice and toffee to finish.
ABV: 40%
