Continuing on my exploration through some of Macallan’s releases, next up I have a sample of their David Carson Concept Number 3 that was bottled at 40.8% ABV. The nose starts with a mix of sautéed gooseberries, lemon custard, light saltiness and candied ginger then dark chocolate covered raisins and toasted hazelnuts followed by caramel apple lollipop, musty grapes and tangerine orange zest that transition to light baking spices and mildly bitter black tea with no ethanol burn. The taste is a thin to medium mouthfeel starting with a mix of mango, lemon lime gelato and candied ginger then a mild bitter and sour spice that quickly fades to dark chocolate mocha and light sea salt followed by Granny Smith apple, nectarines and tangerine oranges that transition to light baking spices and mildly bitter black tea with light ethanol burn. The finish is short with golden raisins, tangerine orange, milk chocolate covered macadamia nuts, ginger, moderate black pepper spice and mild black tea. Overall, this falls below average that has some enjoyable creamy sweet fruits emerging but are quickly overpowered by sour fruits along with a mild bitterness, sea salt and light oak that likely could have benefitted from a higher ABV to help increase the richness and intensity of the flavors and lengthen the finish that is short and bitter. Not surprising that a low ABV Macallan collaboration with a beautiful box wouldn’t deliver a compelling dram, but it appears that the Macallan fan base are enthusiastic about this release as some of these appear to be listed for several hundred dollars online now. Perhaps Macallan can collaborate with Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop next to be able to release a line celebrating the wondrous scents and flavors of the female genitalia that can be drank alongside their candle counterparts. That whisky might be underwhelming like this one, but I guarantee that box design would likely be a captivating and provocative artwork to behold.