I have been drinking whisky for a time now and it is one of the best tastes I have enjoyed. From blended to single malt, whisky, to me, is the perfect days end drink for many occasions, whether a formal affair or simply one drink to end the day. 

The Macallan Edition No. 3. (photo courtesy of Marcie Linao)

But of late, we have been enjoying the excellent taste of Macallan, courtesy of our good friend Danny Isla, erstwhile (retired) President of Lexus Manila. He was the man who singlehandedly turned the motoring press into Macallan drinkers (only those who are drinkers if I may clarify). And it was an enjoyable experience.

Just a few days ago, Marcie Linao gave us a call to invite us to the launching and tasting of a new Macallan, the Edition No. 3. Okay, because of Danny Isla, we have enjoyed Edition No. 2. I have not experienced Edition No. 1 and sad to say I may never get to because it is all gone (or being hoarded whatever few are left).

So, yes, I went to the launch event, if only to get my lips on that sweet. tasty libation called Macallan Edition No. 3. The motoring press was there too, and so with Mr. Isla. I have to make it clear here and now that we at the motoring press do not encourage drinking and then driving and we all use ride-hailing apps if we know we are going to enjoy a good night’s drink.

Pouring a Macallan Edition No. 3 is such sweet pleasure. (photo courtesy of Marcie Linao)

So, to the Macallan Edition No. 3. The aroma is still strong with oak and wood. Just like in every whisky that I have enjoyed, the musky smell of wood casks will be the first experience to assault your senses. This is what tells you if you will enjoy your drink. A weak, alcoholic smell is always a downer.

“Edition No. 1 and Edition No. 2 highlighted the influence each cask has on the taste and flavor 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.”

That statement is an exact description of what we would expect from a development of whicsky from year to year, cask to cask. To enjoy whisky is to enjoy its aroma and taste in succession. First you smell it and then you taste it.

The motoring press with Sir Danny Isla at the Macallan Edition No. 3 Manila launch. (photo courtesy of Marcie Linao)

And this is the heart of the matter when Macallan conscripted Roja Dove to particulate the aroma that would come out of Edition No. 3. Macallan knows that 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 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 utilized 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 flavor and aroma.

Macallan Edition No. 3 stands tall as Okada’s Cove celebrates at its background. (photo courtesy of Marcie Linao)

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 flavors 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 flavor and aroma,” he adds.

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 flavorsome, 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.