United by unbridled curiosity, a thirst for knowledge and a profound appreciation of mastery, The Macallan Whisky Maker Polly Logan and Joan Roca of the twice-awarded world’s best restaurant, El Celler de Can Roca, embarked on an adventure in excellence.
They journeyed into an uncharted New York with the purpose of distilling its very soul into an exceptional single malt whisky, inspired by the creative city and its residents.
During her time in New York, Polly found inspiration in the city’s towering architecture, such as the Empire State Building, the Rockefeller Center and the Statue of Liberty. Like New Yorkers themselves, these buildings stand tall and proud, creating one of the world’s most recognisable skylines.
THE CITIZENS OF NEW YORK
Along with Joan Roca, Polly met a group of extraordinary New York residents who inhabit the city and fuel its vibrancy, all of whom have been impacted by this iconic city in some way. From musician Wynton Marsalis to street artist Lady Pink, each brought inspiration to the project and revealed a new facet of New York.
"This project is a homage to the people of New York. The daring, creative and diverse characters we’ve met along the way. This whisky is bold, vibrant, and uplifting – just like each of them."
Polly Logan
The Macallan Whisky Maker
NOTES OF THE BIG APPLE
From all of this comes a unique whisky, which builds on The Macallan’s already characteristic subtle apple notes – a fitting flavour when it comes to distilling the essence of the “Big Apple”.
The whisky also captures the sweetness of classic American candy, with peanut and chocolate as key flavours. It pays homage to New York’s glistening pavements through a distinct mineral note, while conveying its upbeat nature with a stimulating citrus lift that also reflects the towering skyscrapers and broad, tree-lined avenues.
The colour is directly inspired by the amber hues of a New York sunrise, with the sun coming up over the city’s iconic skyline.
A NEW YORK INSPIRED MENU
The Roca brothers created a menu of dishes inspired by New York, drawing on the culture, architecture, history and heritage found in the city that never sleeps. Both the whisky and the dishes embody an unforgettable sensory dive into the bright, pulsating heart of New York. Each dish pays homage to New York’s creative, vibrant and playful beat – with the Roca brothers putting their own unique spin on classic dishes to create a complex and daring menu.
Watch their journey of discovery in the Distil Your World New York Documentary.
In their quest to distil the essence of the iconic city, Polly and Joan Roca spent time with people who encapsulate the creative, eclectic and artistic nature of New York.
Wynton Marsalis
Internationally acclaimed jazz and classical musician, composer and bandleader, Wynton Marsalis is an educator and leading advocate of American culture.
Megan Fontanella
Guggenheim art curator, conducting collections research, focusing on institutional history and the provenance of artworks.
DeJongh ‘Dee’ Wells
A ‘kickstorian’, his passion lies in the true societal significance of sneakers, perceiving sneakers as the intersection of creativity and culture.
Zero Waste Daniel
High-end fashion designer, Daniel Silverstein uses only recycled pieces of fabric to create genderless clothing and accessories.
Lady Pink
Ecuadorian-American street artist Sandra Fabara “Lady Pink” uses graffiti and murals as acts of self-expression and empowerment of women.