The Macallan has unveiled the second edition of The Harmony Collection, a limited annual release series driven by the brand’s curiosity and innovative mindset. The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica and The Macallan Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica, the single malt whiskies in this year’s release, celebrate the world of coffee and have been inspired by the Ethiopian Arabica coffee bean.
The Macallan Whisky Maker Steven Bremner has created the whiskies to pair perfectly with coffee. He immersed himself in the art of coffee by hosting a masterclass with world renowned coffee experts at The Macallan Estate. He explored the incredible journey from field to cup, uncovering the unique process and distinct flavor profiles at each stage.
Among the coffee masters who shared their knowledge with Steven were Ethiopian coffee grower Kenean Asefa Dukamo, whose family works with the Arabica variety showcased by the whiskies; Scottish coffee roaster Lisa Lawson, a pioneer of speciality coffee in Scotland acclaimed for her roasting techniques; and award-winning American barista Andrea Allen. Additionally, UK-based coffee artist Dhan Tamang crafted a range of coffee art, sharing his knowledge on the art of the perfect coffee serve and sensory perceptions, while leading coffee historian Professor Jonathan Morris, provided an insight into the roots of coffee and how it has become the global phenomenon it is today.
“Exploring the world of coffee with our masters in the industry, who shared their knowledge, creativity, and love for their art, was both an education and an inspiration,” said Steven Bremner, Whisky Maker at The Macallan. “There are many parallels between the approach to creating incomparable whisky and coffee. Each requires unique skills and craftsmanship to achieve depth and complexity of taste and both worlds aim to deliver an extraordinary consumption experience.”
Drawing inspiration from the Arabica coffee bean from Ethiopia, renowned as the birthplace of coffee, Bremner selected a combination of American and European oak casks to achieve the distinctive notes offered by the single malts. Inspired by Intense Arabica is reminiscent of espresso coffee and has a higher proof at 88, while Smooth Arabica conveys the flavors of an americano which come through at 80 proof.
“To create the coffee-inspired second edition of The Harmony Collection, I sought out intense notes in The Macallan’s traditional sherry seasoned European oak casks that would offer the rich and satisfying elements of coffee, with the influence of sherry seasoned American oak casks adding sweeter and softer vanilla notes for a balanced and rounded experience,” Bremner added. “Each expression has been paired with two different variations of Ethiopian coffee, which accentuate the unique tasting notes within the whisky when enjoyed side by side, creating an exciting new sensorial experience of The Macallan.”
In homage to their coffee inspiration, the new expressions are presented in a presentation box, which incorporates repurposed coffee bean husks, a by-product in the coffee-making process. Paper expert Michele Posocco from Italian paper mill Favini worked with The Macallan to create the packaging. The rich red pantone color on the Inspired by Intense Arabica pack reflects the coffee fruit, while the vibrant green on the Smooth Arabica pack represents the unroasted coffee bean.
The Harmony Collection commenced with the release of Rich Cacao last year, followed by Fine Cacao earlier this year, which both incorporated discarded husks from cacao pods in their packaging and offered distinctive chocolate flavor profiles. As you can see. the collection also explores The Macallan’s future packaging journey, as each release features distinctive packaging that incorporates organic by-products and gives them new life.
The Macallan Harmony Collection’s Inspired by Intense Arabica is available at The Macallan Estate Bar, The Macallan Online Boutique and at retail now. The Macallan Harmony Collection’s Smooth Arabica is available at The Macallan Airport Boutiques, key airports around the world and China Hainan Island duty free shops now.
