Like preceding releases, transparency prevails in Edition No.4 as it continues to explore our approach to whisky making, showcasing the skills of our whisky makers and revealing the specific role of oak casks in the creation of the Macallan. With each cask bringing different dimensions and imparting its own influence, this single malt delivers surprising aromas and character. Crafted from a combination of European and American oak casks, Edition No.4 presents a zesty, vibrant and invigorating single malt of rounded honey, sweet toffee and citrus fruits. This is a distinctive whisky that pushes the boundaries of our innovation, reflecting the passion, traditions and craftsmanship that goes into the art of the perfect cask selection.

Not unlike what so many other Scottish distillers are doing these days, this expression (and many other new ones by Mac by the way, more about those next time) ‘focusses on The Macallan’s commitment to wood’, while a combination of seven different cask types have been used. Seven! As I sometimes say, I had thought they were distillers, not carpenters, and I’d bet Scotch Malt whisky will soon be to be found at The Home Depot. Don’t IKEA already sell Swedish whisky, after all? No? Colour: gold. Nose: it does focus on wood indeed, but I have the feeling that it’s still under control. Pleasant maltiness, complemented with, indeed, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking spices, vanilla, cappuccino, burnt raisins, toasted oak, and roasted nuts. A little chocolate as well (brownies). Mouth: it’s decent, but it’s too much on the oaky side for me. And we’re not talking subtle old oak from long ageing here. More cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, white pepper… This is really spicy! Then walnuts and more toasted oak, as well as bitter cocoa and Jaffa cake. Finish: medium, chocolaty, toasted, cinnamony. Nutmeg singing loud in the aftertaste. Comments: I didn’t quite notice any fruits, except burnt raisins. But I’ve noticed that quite a few quasi-PR people (embedded commentators, shall we say) rated this very modern baby very highly. But of course… I have to add that I had liked Edition N°2 much, much better