Edrington disrupts whisky-making process with The Macallan Concept No. 1

The Macallan has turned whisky making upside down with its innovative, disruptive
new Concept No. 1 unveiled at tastings in Cannes during the 2018 TFWA Exhibition. 
Photo by M. Pasternak

The Macallan has unveiled the first release in what it expects to be a highly collectable limited edition series that celebrates the world’s visionaries. Exclusive to GTR, The Macallan Concept No. 1 is inspired by surreal art and incorporates innovative production techniques.

The visionary series begins with a version that disrupts the whiskey-making process. Instead of maturing the whisky first in a bourbon cask and then in a sherry cask as is traditional, The Macallan Concept No. 1 switches the process. The whisky is matured first in sherry-seasoned oak casks and then for an equal time in ex-bourbon casks.

Nick Savage, The Macallan Master Distiller, said: “The Macallan Concept No. 1 is whisky reimagined and offers a compelling new sensory experience that rewards with every sip.”

Igor Boyadjian, Edrington Global Travel Retail Director, commented: “We’re proud to unveil the first release in The Macallan’s latest innovative travel retail-exclusive product range. By ‘breaking the norm,’ Concept No.1 reinforces our commitment to offering exciting products to travelers and we’re confident this fresh innovation will prove attractive to travelers and collectors alike.”

Bottled at an ABV of 40% Macallan Concept No. 1 is presented in exclusive packaging featuring a surrealist design of The Macallan Six Pillars. It will be available exclusively in Dubai Duty Free from December 1 and selected GTR outlets throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas from January 2019. Its recommend selling price is US$125.

The whisky displays a warm golden hue and delivers sweet butterscotch tinged with almond and warming spices on the nose, says the company.