Review // The Macallan Edition N°6 - A Celebration of Speyside Nature

When I was invited to attend an online release event for The Macallan’s newest (and final) release in their “Edition” series, I expected a sample bottle of 5cl. I also expected a quality whisky, refined and complex. I received more than I wished for: a beautiful (and exclusive) gift set with a bottle of Edition N°6 and a set of aquarel prints, and a whisky that simply celebrates Speyside nature. I say ‘simply’, but this whisky is far from straightforward. I invite you to explore this expression with me.

Text is © Mickaël Van Nieuwenhove

Photography & video is © The Macallan and © Alexander Verdoodt

The Macallan Estate and the river Spey

As you might know, The Macallan is rather proud of the estate they are able to call home. The river Spey, which is like a watery vein running through the landscape, is their source of cooling water, as the river is simply too teeming with life to ever use it as water to use for the whisky itself.

The Spey river is famous for its population of Atlantic salmon, which are fished for in a ‘catch and release’ manner during fishing season. The area around the estate is very popular among fly fishers. Because the Atlantic salmon is an endangered species, The Macallan decided to work more closely with the Atlantic Salmon Trust, to raise awareness and “support vital conservation work on the River Spey and beyond” (themacallan.com).

The Edition Series

If you have been following The Macallan a bit more intensively, this is not the first time you have heard about The Edition series. With N°6, an annual tradition to release a limited edition whisky, focusing on various aspects of the whisky-making process, comes to a close. This latest release - I refuse to believe it will be the last - brings all previous editions together in beautiful natural harmony, focusing on the landscape and the river Spey as the source of life around the distillery.

For Edition N°6, 5 separate sherry casks from several cooperages were used, in a ratio of 26% hogshead, and 74% butt, which I’d like to break down in even more detail: first-fill American Oak Tevasa butts, first-fill European Oak JMM hogsheads, first-fill European Oak Tevasa butts & hogsheads, refill European Oak butts, and first-fill American Oak Vasyma butts.

If that isn’t detailed enough for you, there is also a code on the packaging (C5.V393.T23.2020-006), with T23 representing the colour code of the whisky, identified on the package as ‘antique brass’. I’ve been told that starting from T60 (and up), you can’t see through the liquid anymore. The more you know…

The previous releases in the Edition series.

Edition N°6 - Tasting Notes

Tasting this Edition n°6 is an absolute delight. What an expression. Filled to the brim with complexity, beautifully balanced, long-lasting, a real pleasure to review. I am happy I chose '“whisky” as one of my passions. Indulge me as a try to write some tasting notes that are at the same time lyrical, but also easily recognizable.

When you nose this expression, you are treated to scents of prune jelly, a little bit of red fruit, dark chocolate, and a spicy note, never overpowering, always deciding to make room for each other just when you think it might become a bit overpowering. There’s just the slightest brush of a fresh note in there, making this an inviting expression that makes you wonder if there’s anything better in life.

The first sip of this whisky sets off a barrage of flavours, right from the start. There is no build-up, no gentle introduction, just a full-bodied complexity that means business. The already familiar plum jelly, notes of vanilla, a slight note of oak, red fruits, and rich cinnamon, all tied together in a flavour mosaic that is intricate enough to make you admire its craftmanship, without ever losing track of its individual tiles. I like my whiskies like this.

Afterwards, a medium-long finish, elevating the sherry influences in this expression. Smooth, rewarding, with notes of fruits and a little bit of spice right at the end, that jumps around right at the end. You are left with a warm, comforting feeling, as if you just sat down in your favourite arm chair with a blanket after a long day outside.

Yeah, this is a beautiful whisky. I think even more beautiful than my previous all-time favourite expression in The Macallan’s portfolio: Classic Cut 2018. Sadly, I can’t compare, as I never got a bottle. But I heard the Classic Cut 2020 is on its way, and I’m going to do my absolute best to compare Edition N°6 to that release, simply to find out which one fits best with which time of day or mood.

Is there a word for that feeling you get when you finish a dram and you are left with a feeling of happiness and fulfillment? Bliss? Does that cut it? I think it does.

Extra: The Macallan Edition No.6 release video