Macallan Distillery 6
NEW MASTER WHISKY MAKER ANNOUNCED
THE MACALLAN UNVEILS NEW MASTER WHISKY MAKER
Kirsteen Campbell to Lead Strengthened Team
The Macallan has appointed Kirsteen Campbell, renowned throughout the industry for her expertise and knowledge, as Master Whisky Maker for its Single Malt Whisky.
She will lead a newly strengthened Whisky Mastery Team, enhanced to continue delivering the outstanding quality, natural colour and distinctive aromas and flavours of The Macallan.
The team now also incorporates the role of Master of Wood to reflect the complete whisky making process and the vital influence of wood on the character of The Macallan whisky. It seamlessly combines innovation with craftsmanship and heritage to continue The Macallan’s commitment to exceptional quality since 1824.
The six-strong Whisky Mastery Team includes: Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker; Stuart MacPherson, Master of Wood; Sarah Burgess, Lead Whisky Maker; Polly Logan, Whisky Maker; Steven Bremner, Whisky Maker; and Russell Greig, Sample Room Assistant.
Its formation will formally see maturation and whisky making working hand in hand from the very beginning of the journey to bring out the best of spirit and wood. It will additionally secure the legacy of almost two centuries of whisky making heritage, by bringing together the next generation of whisky makers with The Macallan’s most experienced and skilled craftsmen and women. As part of the new approach, apprentices with natural sensory talent will learn the art of whisky making from the depth and breadth of experience within the Whisky Mastery Team.
Originally from Thurso in the Highlands, Kirsteen is the first woman to become The Macallan Master Whisky Maker in its long-standing history spanning almost 200 years. She will transition to the position from her current role within the brand’s parent company Edrington.
Embarking on her journey into the industry in 2001 with a degree in Food Science, Kirsteen worked in a new make spirits laboratory, where she discovered her passion for Scotch whisky and her extraordinary sense of smell.
Kirsteen joined Edrington in 2007 as a Whisky Quality Technologist and progressed her career to her most recent roles within for Cutty Sark, Naked Grouse, The Famous Grouse and The Glenrothes. She holds a Diploma in Distilling and has also worked at the Scotch Whisky Research Institute.
Kirsteen’s appointment and The Macallan’s enhanced focus on the art and science of whisky making and mastery of the team marks the next chapter in the history of the world-renowned single malt whisky. It follows a landmark year in 2018, which saw the opening of The Macallan Distillery Experience on Speyside, designed by internationally acclaimed architects, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, and paves the way for the brand’s 200th anniversary in 2024.
Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker, The Macallan, said: “I feel a real sense of honour and pride to be entrusted as the custodian of The Macallan, charged with leading the Whisky Mastery Team in the creation of The Macallan’s remarkable single malt whiskies. Having been a part of the wider Edrington whisky making team for over a decade, I’m really looking forward to working more closely with the team at The Macallan.
“The Macallan is at the pinnacle of whisky making across the globe and the Whisky Mastery Team will combine the whisky makers’ depth and breadth of skills and experience to drive forward The Macallan legacy for the future.”
Igor Boyadjian, Managing Director, The Macallan, said: “It is with great pleasure that we welcome Kirsteen Campbell to the position of Master Whisky Maker at The Macallan. Kirsteen will join the Whisky Mastery Team and together they will use their skills and craft to continue to create and enhance our exceptional portfolio of whiskies.
“The appointment of Kirsteen and investment in the future legacy of The Macallan, with the strengthening of the Whisky Mastery Team, comes at an incredibly exciting time as The Macallan continues to cement its position as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies. In the wake of the first anniversary of the new distillery, The Macallan is experiencing continued global growth and success, enjoying growing demand in new markets.”
For further information, visit www.themacallan.com
The Macallan Unveils Exceptional Single Cask 1950
THE MACALLAN UNVEILS THE 1950 – THE PINNACLE OF THE EXCEPTIONAL SINGLE CASK RANGE
(31 July 2019, London) The Macallan has unveiled the latest release in the Exceptional Single Cask range – an exquisite and delicate expression that was distilled in 1950.
The 1950’s represent a significant period in the history of The Macallan with investment in the construction of new buildings on site and modernisation of existing buildings, the purchase of additional farmland and the first of The Macallan highland cows take residence on site.
The single malt is the centrepiece of the 2018 release from the unprecedented range which invites consumers to explore the world’s most valuable whisky through a rare insight from the legendary Whisky Makers’ bench at The Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience on Speyside.
The discovery of this First fill sherry butt cask was a special moment for our whisky making team that conjured intense and memorable aromas and flavours. The unmistakable combination of antique oak and subtle peach, with lingering peat warrants this cask being treasured in its own right, with only 336 bottles of this rare single malt available globally to savour.
This exclusive range of single cask whiskies, showcases the depth and diversity of The Macallan. Each whisky revealing a particular character, a subtly different flavour or an aroma in the background making each one truly unique and never to be repeated.
THE MACALLAN ESTATE
THE MACALLAN INTRODUCES ESTATE: A TRIBUTE TO OUR HERITAGE AND HOME
The Macallan has unveiled Estate, an extremely special new single malt containing rare spirit distilled with barley grown at Easter Elchies estate, the iconic home of the world-famous whisky.
A rich and complex whisky with a remarkably long finish, The Macallan Estate was created by Whisky Makers to celebrate the single malt’s peerless provenance and heritage.
It also represents a unique opportunity to experience a single malt containing spirit made from The Macallan’s precious home-grown barley, which is distilled just once a year over the course of a single week. Previously, this spirit has been limited to The Macallan’s most exclusive and sought-after releases.
The 485-acre Easter Elchies estate is set within the legendary Speyside region of Scotland, where The Macallan has been creating extraordinary single malts since 1824. Its carefully tended barley fields are located on the banks of the River Spey, overlooked by The Macallan’s new award-winning distillery.
The distillery, which was inspired by Scotland’s undulating hills and cut into the slope of the land to complement its Spey Valley setting, opened its doors to the public in June 2018.
Displaying a warm conker, chestnut hue, The Macallan Estate exudes aromas of wood spice and orange oil. The sweet, subtle hint of citrus acts as the perfect counterbalance to the traditional sherried richness associated with The Macallan’s distinctive single malts.
Sarah Burgess, Whisky Maker for The Macallan, said: “Our Easter Elchies estate lies within the legendary Speyside region of Scotland, a place of timeless natural beauty, and a place that we are proud to call home.
“With its wonderful sweet citrus hints and warming wood spice, The Macallan Estate is a rich, satisfying and complex spirit that pays homage to the fertile Speyside lands where The Macallan is located and celebrates the unrivalled craftsmanship for which we have been known since 1824.”
The Macallan Estate is presented in an elegant gift box featuring landscape-inspired designs and it reflects the natural stones found on our estate, with an inlay of slate. Inside, aerial photography showcases the estate’s impressive barley fields on the banks of the beautiful River Spey. Priced at £195, Estate will be available to buy from selected whisky specialists from July.
For further information, please contact:
EDITION NO.3 – A SENSORY JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY
THE MACALLAN AND ROJA DOVE
The Macallan has unveiled Edition No.3 – a new limited edition whisky. This third release in the innovative Edition Series is a dynamic and highly original collaboration between The Macallan’s Master Whisky Maker, Bob Dalgarno and 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.
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 and reflective of The Macallan character, with the fresh cut oak and citrus of Hudosa 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 it 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 at £78.
For further information visit www.themacallan.com
Tasting notes:
Colour: A natural colour of Barley gold
Aroma: Reminiscent of a fine fragrance, the nose leads with vanilla ice cream, fresh cut oak and delicate florals. Orange oil provides subtle grandeur while ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg flit in and out. Vanilla imparts sweetness, leading citrus fruits forward then allowing chocolate to show. Burnished oak delivers a soft ending.
Palate: A sensory journey of flavour and aroma intimately entwined, the palate is sweet fruit and vanilla and rich fruit cake with suggestions of apricot, pear and crisp green apple. Hints of ginger and cinnamon are balanced with a light resinous oak finale.
Finish: The finish is long, sweet and fruity, leaving a lasting impression on the senses.
For further information, please contact Hope&Glory PR:
James Bunting: james.bunting@hopeandglorypr.com / 020 3588 9741
Alex Royce: alex.royce@hopeandglorypr.com / 02035889722
EDITION NO. 2 – THE SPIRIT OF COLLABORATION THE MACALLAN AND EL CELLER DE CAN ROCA
The Macallan has unveiled Edition No. 2, a new limited edition. This latest release brings together seven handpicked cask types from four different bodegas to showcase the strength of co-creation and mastery.
Continuing the diverse story of The Macallan’s oak casks and our obsession with wood, the focus for this limited edition is to unlock the workings of the intricate whisky making process and give people the chance to explore how the whisky was created. From the provenance of the oak to the expert crafting of the cask, the seasoning and the size, it is these diverse components and, in this instance, the distinct personalities of the collaborators, which have ultimately shaped Edition No. 2.
The masters behind this collaboration are Bob Dalgarno, The Macallan’s Master Whisky Maker and the Roca brothers, co-founders of El Celler de Can Roca, twice voted best restaurant in the world. The distinctive and dynamic character of Edition No. 2 has been shaped not only by the use of seven exceptional oak cask types, which contribute up to 80% of the character of The Macallan, but by the creative spirit of each of the four collaborators.
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 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.
Bob Dalgarno, The Macallan’s Master Whisky Maker, said: “By collaborating with the Roca brothers we have combined our knowledge of whisky making with their creative culinary expertise. 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.”
Josep Roca, Sommelier, El Celler de Can Roca, said: “Our shared values and passions with The Macallan are taken a step further with our Edition No. 2 collaboration. Working with Bob to identity casks which reflect each of us personally was truly a unique and magical experience. We are really proud of this partnership and the exceptional whisky created as a result.”
With an ABV of 48.2% for a richer and fuller flavour, Edition No. 2 presents a warm, spicy and complex character that brings to the fore notes of apple, oranges, toffee, dried fruit and vanilla. A complex, yet approachable whisky that challenges expectations and reflects the uncompromising creative spirit of the collaborators.
The Macallan Edition No. 2 is available in specialist whisky retailers for an RRP of £65.
Issued by BIG Partnership on behalf of Maxxium UK, for further information, please contact:
Laura Hutchinson laura.hutchinson@bigpartnership.co.uk 0131 557 5252
Gabbie Roscamp gabrielle.roscamp@bigpartnership.co.uk 0131 557 5252
