
Courtesy of The Macallan
- The fourth release in The Macallan’s Distil Your World series celebrates the vibrant city of Hong Kong
- The Macallan Lead Whisky Maker, Euan Kennedy, has embarked on a journey through Hong Kong with a mission to distil its essence in a whisky
The Macallan has revealed the latest addition to its Distil Your World series, a collection that explores the essence of global cultural capitals through whisky craftsmanship. The fourth release in this series, Distil Your World Hong Kong, is a tribute to the city’s continuous reinvention—honouring its deep-rooted traditions while embracing a forward-looking vision.
With a significant presence across global markets, The Macallan continues to strengthen its footprint in Asia through key locations such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. This limited-edition release reiterates The Macallan’s commitment to the region, highlighting its dedication to deepening relationships with trade partners, collectors, and hospitality leaders.
A strategic partnership celebrating craftsmanship and industry leadership
As part of this series, The Macallan has once again collaborated with long-standing partner, the Roca brothers, owners of three-Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca. Twice named the World’s Best Restaurant, this partnership leveraged the Roca brothers’ expertise in sensory storytelling, translating the essence of Hong Kong into a distinctive whisky and a curated culinary experience. Alongside Euan Kennedy, The Macallan Lead Whisky Maker, the trio embarked on an immersive journey to capture the city’s spirit of resilience, ambition, and cultural convergence.
With Hong Kong’s spirits market projected to grow by USD 78.9 million between 2024 and 2029 at a CAGR of 2.6 percent, this limited-edition release further strengthens The Macallan’s presence in the high-end food and beverage sector. It reinforces a successful model of cross-industry innovation that continues to push the boundaries of whisky craftsmanship and culinary artistry.
A whisky reflecting Hong Kong’s multifaceted character
The Distil Your World Hong Kong embodies Hong Kong’s constant evolution, showcasing The Macallan’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. Crafted from carefully selected Sherry-seasoned European Oak hogsheads, this naturally dark single malt presents a deep complexity and a layered tasting experience. Key tasting notes include:
- Nose: Resinous sweetness with decadent ginger, honey, antique oak, and tropical notes of pomelo and mango, reminiscent of Hong Kong-style egg tart.
- Palate: Viscous and mouth-coating, with bright tropical sweetness, rounded spices, and an umami depth.
- Finish: A long, complex finish with lingering antique oak.
Complementing the whisky, the Roca brothers have designed an exclusive menu drawing inspiration from Hong Kong’s dynamic landscape and cultural heritage:
- A Yum Cha-inspired aperitif with Casa Cacao blend tea, Rose ha gau, scallop and sea urchin cheung fun, and truffle cha siu bao
- Main Courses will feature Sweet and sour vegetables, prawn roe mousse, steamed abalone, cabbage, and Geological Park-inspired seaweed accompanied by a unique duck and milk tea mooncake
- Dessert: A sweet construction inspired by Hong Kong’s iconic skyline, mirroring the city’s architectural marvel
Business impact and industry significance
Whisky appreciation in Hong Kong has remained consistently strong, supported by a community of connoisseurs and a growing segment of consumers seeking refined drinking experiences. As one of Asia’s leading markets for luxury spirits, the city has consistently witnessed a demand for specially crafted whisky, reflecting a culture of discernment and sophistication, underpinned by its vibrant culinary landscape and evolving tastes.
The release further deepens The Macallan’s presence across Asia’s leading whisky markets—Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, and Singapore—and reinforces the brand’s commitment to fostering whisky appreciation. By aligning with the region’s top-tier dining and hospitality establishments, The Macallan continues to champion elevated experiences and meaningful engagement with its audience.
Insights from the creators
Euan Kennedy, Lead Whisky Maker at The Macallan, said, “This is a deeply personal whisky, inspired by my time with Joan Roca exploring Hong Kong. It is big and bold. I wanted to develop the idea of structure in this whisky, reflective of the building environment rising from the sea to the green peaks behind. I also wanted to create contrast within this whisky, in the same way Hong Kong is a city of contrast. A whisky with many layers, Distil Your World Hong Kong is a drink to return to again and again, finding more stories within its creation, taking you on an incredible journey of flavour and memory.”
Joan Roca added, “Distil Your World brought us to Hong Kong, and we have distilled the city with extraordinary results. The creative process is where we have fun. That’s where the chaos is, where we are open to anything, where anything is possible and, no matter how crazy it may seem, it may be useful. Our culinary proposal is inspired by the deep-rooted traditions and different cultures of Hong Kong, while at the same time represents the modernity of the city.”
Distil Your World Hong Kong is the fourth edition in The Macallan’s Distil Your World series, which captures the essence of iconic global cities through whisky craftsmanship and storytelling. Previous releases in the series have featured Distil Your World New York, celebrating the city’s vibrant creativity and ambition; Distil Your World London, reflecting the capital’s unique character and people; and Distil Your World Mexico, inspired by the joyous traditions of Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead.
As with past editions, Distil Your World Hong Kong is accompanied by a documentary film, Reimagining Spaces. This latest instalment offers an intimate look into Hong Kong’s energy, heritage, and innovation, which inspired the whisky. The film follows Euan Kennedy and Joan Roca as they engage with influential landmarks shaping the city’s dynamism, uncovering its entrepreneurial spirit and artistic ingenuity.
Availability
Distil Your World Hong Kong is a limited release retailing at four key markets – Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, and Singapore at a recommended retail price of USD $4,750.
For more information, please visit www.macallan.com.
About The Macallan
The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single-malt whiskies. Two centuries have passed since Alexander Reid, founder of The Macallan, distilled the first batch of whisky in his curiously small stills in Speyside, Scotland, in 1824, beginning the extraordinary legacy of the single malt Scotch whisky.
An obsession with quality and craftsmanship is the hallmark of The Macallan. The outstanding quality and distinctive character of each whisky are influenced by exceptional oak casks seasoned with sherry wine – a commitment to natural colour underpinned by mastery. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects, The Macallan Distillery is located on a beautiful 485-acre Estate and takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills.
Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly. For further information, visit www.themacallan.com and become a member of The Macallan Society to explore the stories behind the whiskies.