Earlier this year, in its continual journey around the world, The Macallan’s globe-trots with the Roca brothers turned to the Big Apple as it launched Distil Your World New York. Following on from its supernova launch in April where the value of its bottles went to five times of its full retail price, the allure and legend of Distil Your World New York continue to grow. This heightened clamour is likely spurred by its limited release of 1,000 bottles, coupled with the fact that this expression commemorates one of the most iconic cities ever.
In the month of September, Distil Your World New York finally entered the Malaysian scene, a long wait made worth the while with a delicious introduction at the new Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill in Sunway Resort. Across a series of lunches and dinners, an exclusive guestlist were hosted by The Macallan Malaysia’s brand ambassador Jeremy Lee at restaurant’s Mayfair private room, dressed up to evoke scenes of New York City.
Much like the inspirational Roca brothers who were instrumental in the creation of the Distil Your World series, the Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill provided the ideal gastronomic foil to introduce this market-shattering single-malt whisky. A delicious tasting menu ranged from an amuse bouche of oyster with caviar beurre blanc, an aged steak tartare, the signature Arnold Benett twice-baked soufflé with aged cheddar sauce, mains of either the Beef Wellington or Boston lobster thermidor and a 64 per cent Manjari chocolate tart to finish.
To pair was The Macallan Triple Cask 12 Year Old, The Macallan Double Cask 15 Year Old and The Macallan Classic Cut 2019 edition, coming in at 52.9 per cent ABV with an intensity of orange, sweet ginger and vanilla. As for the star of the event, Distil Your World New York, the very special bottling took pride of place at the head of the table, featuring blue accents inspired by the waters surrounding New York, in a presentation box engraved with an aerial map of the city’s grid-like streets and avenues.
“We really looked towards the quintessential tastes of New York—sweet candy, waffles, peanut brittle, chocolate, and pecans,” The Macallan’s whisky maker Polly Logan said in a statement. “The city’s thriving street food scene was a great source of inspiration.” Created from six European and American oak casks, Distil Your World New York offers the sweetness of classic American candy with hints of chocolate and peanuts sure to evoke memories of the “Nuts 4 Nuts” carts found throughout Manhattan. The uplifting citrus flavour, meanwhile, represents the city’s towering skyscrapers.
During the meal, guests were treated to a 30-minute documentary series which follows Joan Roca – the head chef of the three-star El Celler de Can Roca – with The Macallan’s Polly Logan through the streets of New York, meeting the visionaries who contribute to the city’s dynamically creative scene.
“This project is an homage to the people of New York. The daring, creative and diverse characters we’ve met along the way,” Logan adds. “This whisky is bold, flavour vibrant and uplifting–just like each of them.”
Lucky collectors who receive an allocation of Distil Your World New York will also receive a book upon their purchase, showcasing the inspiration for the single malt and all the work that went into creating it. And, for those who wish to have a slice of New York in the most exquisite culinary way, make a beeline for the NYC-inspired menu crafted by the Roca brothers, at their twice-named Best Restaurant in the World in Spain. Highlights include waffles with chicken pâté, cured and smoked strip steak, and a caramel-filled apple, of course. The dishes are also showcased within the book that comes with the Scotch.
Whisky Maker’s Notes:
ABV: 49.5%.
Colour: City sunrise
Aroma: Big apple with peanut brittle and milk chocolate. A sweet and salty mix like a rising dough and a wisp of sidewalks, fresh rain and cherry blossom.
Palate: Baked apple and raisin, chocolate covered nuts, maple syrup and toasted waffles with a side of salted pecans.
Finish: Medium with roasted nuts and sweet oak.
