The Macallan recently unveiled The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao, the first limited edition whisky in a new series of single malts.
This innovation, among other things, will also see the brand progress its journey towards sustainable packaging.
In creating the first edition in this new, annual release series, The Macallan Whisky Maker Polly Logan embarked on a journey to Girona, Spain, where she immersed herself in the world of chocolate, exploring the chocolate-making process and uncovering the distinctive flavor profiles.
“As I immersed myself in this world, I uncovered a great synergy between the whisky-making process and that of chocolate,” Logan said in a prepared statement. “Both take time and exceptional attention to detail, with even the slightest changes to the process encouraging different aromas and flavors to emerge.”
Logan collaborated with famed pastry chef Jordi Roca, the youngest of the acclaimed Roca brothers of El Celler de Can Roca, with whom The Macallan has a long-standing relationship.
As part of the exploration, she visited Jordi’s chocolate factory, Casa Cacao in Girona and she also spent time with master chocolatier, Damian Allsop.
“Working in collaboration with Jordi Roca, acknowledged as one of the best and most creative pastry chefs in the world, and with exceptional chocolatier, Damian Allsop, I went on a journey of discovery, learning of the craftsmanship, passion and creativity which goes into making chocolate,” Logan explained.
She said she drew inspiration from the duo’s passion, knowledge and creativity to create The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao, searching the sherry seasoned oak casks maturing at The Macallan Estate to identify rare, indulgent chocolate notes.
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Jordi Roca said that the collaboration with The Macallan allows them to challenge their own creativity. “And in this project, we have been allowed to play with cacao, which is one of my passions. Being able to inspire a whisky and to create a unique tasting experience has been wonderful.”
Crafted from a combination of European and American oak casks, the distiller’s official tasting notes show the expression to be a rich, single malt whisky characterized by a deep, dark chocolate profile.
In homage to its chocolate inspiration, The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao is encased in a fully recyclable and biodegradable presentation box, made using natural by-products in the chocolate-making process. The box is crafted using discarded husks from cacao pods and offers what’s said to be contemporary packaging techniques aimed at minimizing waste.
“For this expression, I sought out a specific chocolate note in The Macallan’s traditional sherry seasoned European oak casks and combined this with a vanilla note imparted by sherry seasoned American oak casks to sweeten the slightly bitter chocolate note I had found,” Logan said. “This exquisite single malt offers a delightful whisky and chocolate pairing experience and the chance to elevate The Macallan experience to a new dimension.”
The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao is available globally for a suggested retail price of $160. More detail tasting notes can be found below.
- Color: Toasted cacao beans.
- Aroma: Chocolate fondant, honey, oak, zesty lime and ginger.
- Palate: Dark chocolate, honey, dates, vanilla and cinnamon.
- Finish: Long with rich chocolate.
- ABV: 44%.
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