Edrington Global Travel Retail (GTR) has unveiled The Macallan Quest Collection in an ode to the finest sources of oak that impart flavour into the company’s whisky casks.

At a special launch event attended by TRBusiness and members of the press during last week’s TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes, Edrington GTR revealed four travel retail exclusive Single Malt whiskies, each with their own unique cask finishes.

The Macallan Quest (40% ABV), Lumina (41.3% ABV), Terra (43.8% ABV) and flagship Enigma (44.9% ABV) feature new packaging and replace The Macallan 1824 Collection.

Listing on shelf from January 2018, retail prices for the 70cl bottles are as follows: Quest ($64), Lumina ($100), Terra ($165) and Enigma ($250). The Macallan Quest expression also includes a 1-litre variety priced at $80.

A TALE OF OAK

In introducing the new collection, The Macallan is taking the opportunity to shout about its commitment to sourcing quality oak with which it crafts its casks.

The brand promises whisky drinkers “an exploration of flavour and texture, from vibrant and fresh through to rich and intense, concluding with a whisky that signifies the essence of The Macallan”.

According to Master Distiller Nick Savage the new range offers a compelling story of the artistry of The Macallan’s whisky makingm with an opportunity to showcase a collection across different price points that appeal to the traveller.

Beginning with The Macallan Quest, four different casks – European, American oak sherry seasoned and American ex-bourbon – are used to impart soft, citrus notes with hints of vanilla oak.

The Macallan Lumina marries European, American oak sherry seasoned and hogshead casks to produce a ‘bold, zesty whisky with notes of creamy vanilla and wood spice, with ginger firmly at play’.

Moving on to The Macallan Terra, fluid is aged in prime first fill oak sherry seasoned casks to produce a ‘complex, yet balanced single malt’.

The liquid pays homage to two distinguished families of wood suppliers from Spain’s Jerez de la Frontera – Tevasa and Vasyma – to create a cask with toffee, sweet dried fruit and rich spices.

ENIGMA: THE PINNACLE

Finally, The Macallan Engima also draws its inspiration from Spain.

Using first-fill sherry seasoned butts, Enigma ‘is the embodiment of The Macallan’s wood journey’, says the brand, offering a rich and intense single malt that possesses flavours of mature oak, cinnamon, vanilla and dried fruit.

 

Igor Boyadjian, Managing Director, Edrington GTR, said: “With the launch of Quest we are giving travellers and The Macallan connoisseurs an entirely new range to explore, delivering differentiation and excitement and continuing our commitment to crafting the ultimate luxury spirit.

“In a channel where consumer engagement is crucially important, The Macallan Quest collection has storytelling at its core – from the unique liquid to the bold and highly differentiated visual identity.

“We are looking forward to working closely with our retail partners to bring this new range to life instore.”