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Macallan Edition No. 2 Whisky Explores Seven Cask Types Working Together

Macallan Edition No. 2The Macallan distillery in Scotland is known for being a master of the sherry cask, something we saw play out particular well in its Edition No. 1 bottling from last year, which brought together eight distinct European and American oak cask styles and sizes into one release. They are back at the Edition series and its multi-cask focus again for 2016, having recently unveiled Macallan Edition No. 2.

Macallan Edition No. 2, according to the distillery, was a collaboration with the Roca brothers, co-founders of El Celler de Can Roca, twice-voted best restaurant in the world. It explores seven handpicked cask types from four different bodegas out of Spain. More specifically,

“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 [Macallan’s Master Whisky Maker] 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.”

Macallan Edition No. 2, bottled at 48.2% ABV, is non-age statement in nature and prices at £65, or about $80 USD. Official tasting notes for it can be found at the end of this article.

“By collaborating with the Roca brothers we have combined our knowledge of whisky making with their creative culinary expertise,” said Dalgarno in a prepared statement. “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.”

Edition No. 2 presents a warm, spicy and complex character that brings to the fore notes of apple, oranges, toffee, dried fruit and vanilla. 

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