Following on from last year’s duo of Rich Cacao and Fine Cacao comes the second instalment in Macallan's limited annual series. 'Intense Arabica' and 'Smooth Arabica' are said to be influenced by the Ethiopian Arabica coffee bean. Both special malts exude flavours of sweet oak, tiramisu and dark chocolate and reportedly provide a delightful whisky and coffee pairing experience. The story goes that Chief Whisky Maker, Steven Bremner wanted to create an expression that would pair perfectly with an espresso, so he worked with a group of caffeinated experts including Ethiopian grower Kenean Asefa Dukamo, Scottish roaster Lisa Lawson and acclaimed American barista Andrea Allen. “Exploring the world of coffee with our masters in the industry, who shared their knowledge, creativity, and love for their art, was both an education and an inspiration,” says Bremner. “There are many parallels between the approach to creating incomparable whisky and coffee. Each requires unique skills and craftsmanship to achieve depth and complexity of taste and both worlds aim to deliver an extraordinary consumption experience.” Each whisky was aged in a combination of American and European oak casks but have different accents. As the name suggests, Intense Arabica has strong espresso notes and a higher ABV of 44% as opposed to 40%. So for drinkers it will be the first pick. Collectors will want both. Drawing inspiration from a connection to the natural world, the distinctive packaging incorporates organic by-products and gives them new life. These are made partially from repurposed coffee bean husks, created by Italian paper mill, Favini. Very limited stocks.

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not shown. If you would like information on specific signs of wear, please contact us on freecall 1800 069 295. The Macallan Edition No. 5 is a homage to the diversity and complexity of natural colour, celebrating Macallan’s commitment to natural whisky. It follows Editions No 1 and No 2, focused on cask influence; Edition No 3, which explored the impact of aroma; and Edition No 4, which was focused on structure. Sarah Burgess, whisky maker for Macallan, adds, "Whilst colour development starts with mixing basic colours with precision to achieve different shades, when it comes to whisky making, it is the knowledge and understanding of a specific palette of colours from the cask which is the starting-point." The colour connection is made all the more salient by ‘a uniquely bold shade of purple’ used on the label, developed by designers at the Pantone Colour Institute in New Jersey. 48.5% Alc./Vol.

The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old is a balanced single malt whisky created by bringing the perfect harmony of two oaks into one exceptional single malt whisky. Sherry seasoned American oak adds delicate vanilla to the subtle spice of European oak, delivering a whisky with a sweeter, warmer taste and character.