Macallan Concept No. 3

I'm continuing my journey through Macallan's offerings, and the next sample I have is their David Carson Concept Number 3, bottled at 40.8% ABV. The aroma begins with sautéed gooseberries, lemon custard, a touch of saltiness, and candied ginger, followed by chocolate-covered raisins and toasted hazelnuts. Then comes a caramel apple lollipop, musty grapes, and tangerine orange zest, leading into gentle baking spices and mildly bitter black tea, with no alcohol heat. The palate has a thin to medium texture. It starts with mango, lemon-lime gelato, and candied ginger, then a subtle bitter and sour spice that quickly gives way to dark chocolate mocha and light sea salt. This is followed by Granny Smith apple, nectarines, and tangerine oranges, transitioning to mild baking spices and slightly bitter black tea with a slight alcohol burn. The finish is brief, featuring golden raisins, tangerine orange, milk chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, ginger, noticeable black pepper spice, and mild black tea. In summary, this expression is below average. It presents some pleasant creamy sweet fruits, but they are rapidly overshadowed by sourness, a hint of bitterness, sea salt, and light oak. A higher ABV might have enhanced the richness and flavor intensity, and extended the short, bitter finish. It's not shocking that a low-proof Macallan collaboration in a fancy box wouldn't provide a remarkable drink. However, Macallan fans seem thrilled with this release, as some are listed online for hundreds of dollars. Maybe Macallan could partner with Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop next for a line inspired by female anatomy scents and flavors, to be enjoyed with their candles. That spirit might be as disappointing as this one, but I bet the packaging would be striking and bold artwork.

This is the final bottling from the "Concept" travel retail line, the Macallan Concept No. 3, a result of a partnership with prominent graphic designer David Carson. I must admit, I was quite fond of the Concept No. 2; consequently, I had high expectations for this expression. Presented at 40.8% ABV, with a burnished gold color. On the nose, a delightful aroma of vanilla and smooth chocolate. Notes of sawdust, hazelnut, and subtle bee honey. A faint scent of scorched hay is present, along with a hint of burnt pineapple. Very inviting on the nose. It carries the characteristic Macallan essence, featuring coffee and dark cocoa. Like a cappuccino. There's also an herbal quality. It's pleasing that Macallan seems to be returning to its origins with this bottling, at least in its aroma. Wonderful notes of coffee beans and honey. A perfect score for the nose. On the palate, it was adequate. Flavors of honey, toffee, sawdust, and oak spice. A note of pear skin is detectable. It's oaky, bitter, and not very sweet. The finish wasn't the highlight, though not unpleasant. A burnt grass aftertaste. Notes of tobacco and bitter spices. The finish is soft and brief. In summary, I greatly appreciated the nose on this one, which elevated the overall score. I don't consider it a poor dram; I believe Macallan aficionados will find some satisfaction here. However, single malt enthusiasts will likely only recognize Macallan's attempt to emulate its older expressions. The palate is uninspired, and the finish is short. It lacks intensity, but it's by no means a bad drink. I feel my score of 85 out of 100 is justified.

This reminds me of hot California summers, just like before. Notes of citrus, dried grass, and a hint of iced coffee come through.

Lemon, apple, and the warmth of California summers.