The Macallan reveals Concept Number 2

Edrington-owned The Macallan has unveiled the second Scotch whisky in its Concept Series – The Macallan Concept Number 2, which was inspired by music.

The Macallan Concept Number 2 will be available exclusively in global travel retail

The Macallan Concept Number 2 was unveiled at the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes, France, last week.

It is the second of three whiskies that will comprise the Concept Series, and follows last year’s The Macallan Concept Number One, which aimed to “flip maturation on its head” by first ageing the liquid in Sherry-seasoned casks, and then ex-Bourbon barrels.

Concept Number 2, created exclusively for global travel retail, aims to bring together two passions of The Macallan whisky maker Steven Bremner: whisky and music.

Bremner, an ‘avid’ house DJ, said: “Building music is in some ways the same as building whisky.

“In music, you have to lay down the base track, just like you create the base flavour in whisky, and then you build layers around them.”

The Macallan Concept Number 2 was matured in a mix of Sherry-seasoned American oak casks, Miguel Martin Sherry casks and ex-Bourbon barrels.

Tasting notes include aromas of toffee apple, vanilla, oak spice and nutmeg, leading to flavours of toffee, dried apple, almond, cinnamon and wood spice on the palate. The finish is said to be medium sweet with hints of spice and toffee.

“Each different cask brings its own influence to the character of the liquid, like each instrument or sound adds depth to a track,” added Bremner.

“In both cases, we can alter each different element to play up or down particular sounds or flavours.”

The Macallan Concept Number 2 will first launch in The Macallan Boutiques in Taiwan Taoyuan Airport and London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5. It will also be made available in Dubai Duty Free in December, before a global travel retail rollout from January 2020.

Bottled at 40% ABV, the expression will retail for US$150 (£120/ €135) per 700ml bottle.