The Macallan – the internationally famed single malt whisky has unveiled its Edition No.3 – a new limited edition whisky. The third release in the innovative Edition Series is a dynamic and highly original collaboration between The Macallan’s Master Whisky Maker, Bob Dalgarno and globally acclaimed Master Perfumer, Roja Dove, uniting the worlds of whisky and aroma to reveal the complexities of single malt character.

Continuing the diverse story of The Macallan’s oak casks and obsession with wood, the focus has remained on the commitment introduced with Edition No.1 and Edition No.2 to unlock the intricate workings of the whisky-making process. Edition No.3 exposes the detail of its creation for true transparency and showcases the absolute skill of the Master Whisky Maker.

The Macallan’s Edition series began in 2015 with Edition No. 1, for which a unique selection of oak casks was identified to yield a new Macallan expression. The series was created to celebrate The Macallan’s unparalleled oak cask management policy that oversees the entire process from oak sourcing to finished, seasoned casks. The No. 1 limited edition expression, launched in 2015 was matured in eight distinct European and American oak cask styles, personally selected by Dalgarno, to create a rich and truly multidimensional whisky. Last year, Edition No. 2 was released and continued the story of the diversity of The Macallan oak casks and the obsession with mastery of wood through a creative partnership between Dalgarno and the Roca brothers, chef-founders of Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca, twice awarded Best Restaurant in the World.

While Edition No.1 and Edition No.2 highlighted the influence each cask has on the taste and flavour of the final whisky, Edition No.3 provides an insight into the distinctive aromas that combine to build character and depth and create a multi-sensory experience of taste and aroma.

From defining life experiences to the recall of special memories, the power of aroma is unquestionable and it is this power which makes the approach to Edition No.3 truly mesmerizing, as Roja Dove and Bob Dalgarno embarked on a sensory journey of discovery.

As one of the world’s most respected Master Perfumers whose brand Roja Parfums is at the pinnacle of the fragrance industry, Roja Dove provided his remarkable sensory knowledge and experience to describe distinctive aromas in particular oak casks. Subsequently, Bob Dalgarno utilised this articulation of aromas to select dominant notes to help shape the final character of Edition No.3.

The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks are the single greatest contributor to the outstanding quality, natural colours and distinctive aromas and flavours of The Macallan and the use of a higher proportion of smaller casks in Edition No.3 increased the contact between the spirit and the wood, delivering an intense experience of flavour and aroma.

Crafted from a combination of European and American oak casks, Edition No.3 balances a heavier base derived from Tevasa casks (European oak) and reflective of The Macallan character, with the fresh cut oak and citrus of Hudosa (American oak) casks, the vanilla ice cream and sweet, crisp green apple flavours of bourbon casks and the dry, floral and vanilla notes from European and American oak refill casks.

Bob Dalgarno, The Macallan’s Master Whisky Maker, said: “Inspiration and innovation lie at the heart of The Macallan and in Edition No.3 we have collaborated with one of the world’s most respected aroma experts to create a single malt whisky which pushes the boundaries and challenges convention. The Edition Series provides the freedom to look beyond the cask styles typically used in other Macallan whiskies. There are great parallels between the worlds of whisky and perfume and it has been fascinating to work with Roja to explore the power of aroma in individual oak casks and its influence on the resulting whisky. Edition No.3 is a remarkable journey of the senses, delivering an intense experience of flavour and aroma.”

Roja Dove, Master Perfumer, said: “On the surface, t would seem that Bob and I came from disparate worlds. From the beginning it was obvious we shared much in common, which we have explored and developed in many different ways. The inevitable culmination of this collaboration was the creation of Edition No.3. We have worked together to master the balance of taste and aroma, resulting in an incredibly flavoursome, fresh and citrus whisky with enveloping sweetness. Edition No.3 is an exceptional example of the whisky maker’s art, where Bob has interpreted my thoughts so accurately, when combined with the extraordinary power of scent.”

With an ABV of 48.3%, Edition No.3 is a sensory journey of flavour and aroma intimately entwined. Presenting a sweet and fruity character, it brings to the fore notes of vanilla, fresh cut oak, delicate florals and rich fruit cake. An alluring whisky that challenges expectations and reflects the artistic genius of the collaborators who united to curate this distinctive single malt.

The Macallan Edition No.3 will be priced from R1850 and available from 1 October at selected retailers nationwide.

For further information visit www.themacallan.com