The Macallan has launched The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao, the first limited-edition whisky in a new series of single malts that sees the brand progress towards sustainable packaging.
To create this first edition, The Macallan Whisky Maker Polly Logan traveled to Girona, Spain, where she explored the chocolate-making process.
“As I immersed myself in this world, I uncovered a great synergy between the whisky-making process and that of chocolate,” Logan says. “Both take time and exceptional attention to detail, with even the slightest changes to the process encouraging different aromas and flavors to emerge.”
Polly collaborated with pastry chef, Jordi Roca, the youngest of the Roca brothers of El Celler de Can Roca, with whom The Macallan has a long-standing relationship. Polly visited Jordi’s chocolate factory, Casa Cacao in Girona, and she also spent time with master chocolatier, Damian Allsop.
“Working in collaboration with Jordi Roca, acknowledged as one of the best and most creative pastry chefs in the world, and with exceptional chocolatier, Damian Allsop, I went on a journey of discovery, learning of the craftsmanship, passion and creativity which goes into making chocolate,” Logan recalls.
After this experience, Polly searched the sherry seasoned oak casks maturing at The Macallan Estate to identify chocolate notes.
“The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao is a wonderful expression which brings together the world of whisky with the fascinating world of chocolate” says Logan.
Created from a combination of European and American oak casks, the result is a single malt whisky characterized by a deep, dark chocolate profile, the company reports, which pairs with chocolate for a sensorial experience.
In homage to its chocolate inspiration, The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao comes encased in a fully recyclable and biodegradable presentation box, made using natural by-products in the chocolate-making process. The box was made with discarded husks from cacao pods.
“For this expression, I sought out a specific chocolate note in The Macallan’s traditional sherry seasoned European oak casks, and combined this with a vanilla note imparted by sherry seasoned American oak casks to sweeten the slightly bitter chocolate note I had found,” Logan explains. “This exquisite single malt offers a delightful whisky and chocolate pairing experience and the chance to elevate The Macallan experience to a new dimension.”
The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao is 44% ABV. On the nose is chocolate fondant, honey, oak, zesty lime and ginger, the company reports, before a palate of dark chocolate, honey, dates, vanilla and cinnamon. The finish includes rich chocolate.
The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao is available globally this month for a suggested retail price of $160 per 750-ml. bottle.
The Macallan Scotch Whisky also collaborated with the handmade gourmet chocolate brand, Compartés Chocolate and CEO Jonathan Grahm to create a whisky-and-chocolate pairing tasting set. This limited-edition tasting set (only 200 available for purchase) will highlight The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao and Compartés chocolates.
The Macallan Harmony Collection: Rich Cacao & Compartés Chocolate Tasting Set is available starting on Nov. 8 for pre-order exclusively on ReserveBar. The pairing tasting set includes a bottle of The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao, a 10-piece box of custom-made chocolate from Compartés Chocolate inspired by the tasting notes of the whisky, a pairing guide to take you through the tasting as well as two of The Macallan glencairn glasses.
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