What do you get when you pair a whisky maker with some of the world’s most acclaimed visionaries in the culinary world? Well, it would have to be the Macallan Edition No.2. A new limited edition release by Macallan, the whisky is the second in the Edition Series that now joins the Macallan Edition No.1, and shows off the result of combining seven hand picked casks from four Spanish bodegas.

Joining forces with Macallan’s Master Whisky Maker, Bob Delgano are Joan, Bob, Jordi and Josep Roca, who co-founded El Celler de Can Roca, whose selections help to make up 80% of the whiskys character. Those who love a glass of Macallan will be familiar with the role wood plays in the creation of each whisky. However, with the Edition No.2, Macallan brings us more than just oak and expert craftsmanship. Instead, it shows us the personalities of each oak cask, from Europe and America, like a secret revealed with each sip.

The Roca Brothers with Macallan’s Master Whisky Maker, Bob Delgarno.

In an inviting shade of gold, the latest release from Macallan greets the nose with traces of treacle, ginger, toffee apples and rich fruits. The delicious layers of vanilla give way to tropical fruits and just a hint of green wood. On the palate, the whisky starts of warm and spicy with notes of chocolate, brown sugar, oak and nuts before liquorice and brandy snaps make an appearance. The finish is one that can best be described as full, slow, warm.

Dalgarno handpicked the first oak that carries the shape of the Edition No.2. Using European oak Tevasa casks, the whisky is filled with notes of rich, dried fruit that mirror his curious, patient and empathetic character. From the first of the Roca’s, is the Diego Martin cask that provides notes of green wood and toffee. The oak is said to reflect the generous, reflective and passionate nature of Joan Roca.

Bringing us the complexity, warmth and maturity of Josep Roca, is the European oak Jose Miguel Martin casks that carry with it notes of allspice and ginger. The last of the Roca brothers, Jordi who is a pastry chef, provides the Edition No.2 with the notes of citrus and light vanilla with his selection of the American oak Vasyma butts and puncheons. The flavour reflects his larger than life personality that he is known for.

When speaking of the collaboration, the Roca brothers said “Our shared values and passions with The Macallan are taken a step further with our Edition No.2 collaboration. Working with Bob to identify casks which 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.”