Releases by The Macallan are always a matter of peak interest, and the latest drop in its celebrated Distil Your World series, focused on Hong Kong, exemplifies this developing pattern that’s intrigued us since we launched Robb Report Hong Kong in 2023.
The Macallan’s decision to encapsulate the essence of this vibrant city in whisky form stems from a desire to connect with its unique cultural tapestry and dynamic evolution, says Euan Kennedy, The Macallan’s lead whisky-maker, in an exclusive interview with Robb Report Hong Kong. He shares that the inspiration for Distil Your World Hong Kong is rooted in the city’s duality, where its rich traditions are juxtaposed with modern innovation.
“I saw Hong Kong as a gateway from Asia to the world,” Kennedy elaborates. In travel and transit while conducting this interview, he reflects on the city’s sprawling skyscrapers and bustling streets that constantly reinvent themselves, affirming that “this release encapsulates the energy and complexity of Hong Kong, aiming to explore how the city reimagines its urban environment while maintaining its distinctive cultural heritage.” Hong Kong’s ability to fuse tradition with modernity is a central theme in this release. “I’m lucky now to have visited Hong Kong a couple of times,” he says. “Every time it feels a little different. I hope you get that same feeling as you enjoy this whisky. It’s got an incredible vibrancy, and there’s truly something different to discover round every corner.”
Collaborating with the renowned Roca brothers, the team sought the essence of the city and uncovered how it has transformed public spaces and embraced its dynamic nature. Owners of El Celler de Can Roca—twice named the World’s Best Restaurant in 2013 and 2015—the Roca brothers have partnered with The Macallan before, a fruitful collaboration that has rendered novel results. Now, this new collaboration has brought forth a whisky that mirrors the city’s vibrant character, celebrating both its heritage and its forward-looking spirit.
The Macallan’s partnership with the Rocas was pivotal in shaping this whisky. “We embarked on an immersive journey through Hong Kong,” recalls Kennedy. Together, they met artisans and discovered flavour inspirations that informed the whisky’s profile. The resulting spirit is described as “bold, much like Hong Kong itself,” combining nuanced flavours that reflect the city’s structure, contrast, and complexity.
Creating this whisky was also a deeply personal endeavour. Kennedy aimed to reflect the vibrancy of Hong Kong through a symphony of flavours—rich ginger, spices, and antique oak balanced by tropical notes of mango and grapefruit. “Each layer contributes to a rich and multifaceted experience,” he explains. However, the process was not without challenges, with the greatest being “knowing when to say ‘I’m finished,’” he admits, acknowledging the pressure to do justice to both the experience and the city itself. He hopes the final product invites others to uncover their own memories of Hong Kong through its layered flavours.
The Macallan’s approach to whisky-making is steeped in tradition, after all. The Macallan distillery was founded in 1824, and yet it embraces innovation. “Our whisky-making respects heritage, but new experiences allow us to explore different interpretations of flavour,” Kennedy explains. By immersing himself in the essence of Hong Kong, he presents a unique interpretation through this Distil Your World release. “It’s a genuine way to be inspired by ideas having lived them before setting out on the creative process.”
For those familiar with the city, the tasting experience of this whisky is designed to evoke memories and emotions tied to Hong Kong. To borrow from the Macallan notes, the nose presents “a rich, resinous sweetness intertwined with decadent ginger and spices,” paired with hints of honey and tropical fruit. On the palate, the whisky reveals a mouth-coating viscosity complemented by bright sweetness, culminating in a vibrant finish. “I encourage consumers to reminisce and find their own stories in the glass,” he suggests, inviting them to connect personally with the whisky. Is the bottle meant for those outside of Hong Kong to reminisce about the time spent here on a nostalgic trip? Perhaps. It’s also a jog down memory lane for those who live here, to relive moments of joy and celebration. Memory is tied with the olfactory and sense of taste, and each sip promises to open chapters buried in the past.
While the excitement surrounding this release is palpable, the maker remains tight-lipped about future instalments in the Distil Your World series. “I cannot share hints about future locations,” he states, dashing our hopes for a Robb Report exclusive, yet he reassures us that The Macallan will continue to capture the essence and history of future destinations. The evolving landscape of Hong Kong has also significantly influenced his approach. “The Hong Kong I drew inspiration from will always be that version in my mind,” says Kennedy as the whisky serves as a moment in time, reminding him of the importance of capturing experiences as they unfold. This philosophy is integral to his process, allowing him to interpret flavours and aromas in a way that reflects the unique character of the city.
His evolving relationship with the city fosters a deeper understanding of its vibrancy, which in turn influences his whisky-making. He appreciates the creativity of modern whisky drinkers in Hong Kong, who explore food pairings in innovative ways. “I learn something new every day that I can use in my whisky-making,” he says.
“I would love fans and consumers of The Macallan to certainly enjoy this whisky and share their interpretations of it; that is the beauty of whisky,” Kennedy says on the eve of the bottle’s release in Hong Kong. “How I created it, how I perceive it, [and] how I taste it is completely different to how our consumers feel about it. This is not only applicable to Distil Your World Hong Kong but for all our whiskies. I would love to see if our consumers feel what I feel or if they see their own stories in our whiskies.”
All images courtesy of The Macallan.
