Four For The Road: The Macallan Edition No. 4 at Top of the Alpha

It all begins with the meticulous selection of sherry-seasoned oak casks in a story that goes back as far as 1824. The Macallan's legendary whisky-making heritage is highlighted once more with its latest expression reflecting its pioneering mastery and unsurpassed craftsmanship...

The fourth release in the innovative Edition Series of The Macallan, the new Edition No. 4 celebrates the union of history and heritage in a remarkable new era of enduring whisky traditions the famed distillery has been known for since 1824. And in one evening, I get to experience the full range of The Macallan's whisky-making mastery at the Top of the Alpha...

Coinciding with the innovative design of its newest distillery, The Macallan Edition No. 4 immerses you in the whisky making process exposing the intricate and meticulous details behind each sought-after bottle of The Macallan. The elegant Top of the Alpha was a fitting venue for an equally elegant whisky.

From The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old with its classic Macallan style and distinct sweetness perfected in hand-picked sherry-seasoned American and European oak casks...

...to The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old with its intense and rich deep notes from the Oloroso sherry-seasoned oak casks, the story of The Macallan begins with its exceptional oak casks for its distinct flavor, aroma and character coming to life with each and every sip. It is this same attention to detail, with its use of hand-picked oak casks, that creates the outstanding quality, vibrant yet natural golden amber colors, distinctive aromas and flavors behind each bottle of The Macallan.

Drawing inspiration from its rich whisky-making heritage, The Macallan Edition No. 4 reveals the role of each cask in the elaborate process. The European oak sherry-seasoned casks from Tevasa lay the foundation, delicately infusing layers of rich flavors with hints of dried fruit, wood spices and root ginger as European oak sherry-seasoned casks from Jose y Miguel Martin and Diego Martin Rosado shape the elegant character of the whisky with a subtle whisper of fruity notes. Finally, American oak sherry-seasoned casks from Varysma add balance to the final form and structure with subtle hints of vanilla, butterscotch and toffee to complete an amazing story that can only come from one of the world's iconic distilleries.

The Macallan Master Distiller, Nick Savage, described the latest edition as "a spectacular single malt, delivering a rounded honey and sweet toffee aroma and an intense burst of nutmeg with wood spices on the palate. A powerful and invigorating mouth feel, as if standing on top of the new distillery roof in the Speyside breeze. A combination of carefully selected sherry-seasoned oak casks brings out unique refreshing qualities and delivers an unforgettable whisky experience." One sip brings all these layers to the palate followed by a smooth and graceful finish. Another round? Absolutely.

That evening, some of the metro's noted mixologists served creative handcrafted cocktails featuring The Macallan...

...allowing guests of the exclusive event to experience the range and versatility of the renowned whisky. The initial burst of tartness and sweetness is perfectly finished by the deep, round and full-bodied notes of The Macallan for perfectly balanced flavors. But I'll have mine neat...

...or on the rocks. With whisky this good, you don't need to mess around with it.


Definitely not with The Macallan and any of its fine whisky expressions..

After a few rounds of The Macallan's exceptional line of masterful whisky creations, why not take a virtual tour of the newest state-of-the-art distillery to complete a unique and memorable experience? The Macallan Edition No. 4 is the culmination of a long and proud history of whisky making excellence with its deep tones of burnished copper delivering bold hints of spices and cloves followed by honey and sweet toffee apple notes and vibrant orange zest capped by a robust finish from the matured oak for that perfect finish. The Macallan Edition No. 4 highlights the structure of the whisky in masterful perfection, closely following the intricate process behind the construction of their magnificent new distillery capturing that signature spirit showcasing the lengths The Macallan goes to when creating single malts. Perfection at each and every phase and step of the process honed by over 194 years of whisky-making expertise and experience distilled in each bottle, enjoyed and celebrated with each sip. If The Macallan Edition No. 4 showcases the complex structure of a fine whisky, the process leading to the latest edition can be traced back to its previous creations...

...with The Macallan Edition No. 3 and its bold dimension of aroma...

...The Macallan Edition No. 2...

...and The Macallan Edition No. 1 with its exploration on the influence of each cask on the taste and flavor of the whisky, each one representing flavorful stories that have enriched the brand.

And new stories were created that evening. Free-flowing rounds of The Macallan were paired with a never-ending spread of sumptuous food prepared by the chefs of Top of the Alpha. With one glass to get you in the groove, why not have another?

The Macallan Edition No. 4 is another chapter in a continuing story of whisky making excellence by The Macallan. History and heritage come together in a masterful new whisky expression. Make it four for the road with The Macallan Edition No. 4...