The Macallan Unveils The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica

The Macallan recently introduced the new expressions that make up the second edition of The Harmony Collection, a limited yearly release series inspired by the brand’s curiosity and innovative and creative philosophy.

Each release has innovative packaging that utilizes organic byproducts and gives them new life as part of a collection that explores The Macallan’s path toward future packaging.

The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica, the single malt whiskies in this year’s release, were inspired by the Ethiopian Arabica coffee bean and celebrate the world of coffee. Their hybrid packaging was created using repurposed and recycled materials including coffee bean husks which would have otherwise been disposed of.

The immensely flavorful whiskies were developed by The Macallan Whisky Maker Steven Bremner to go wonderfully with coffee. Bremner hosted a session at The Macallan Estate with renowned coffee specialists as part of his immersion into the art of coffee. He investigated the amazing journey from field to cup, learning about the special processes and distinctive flavour characteristics at each phase.

The Ethiopian coffee grower Kenean Asefa Dukamo, whose family works with the Arabica variety highlighted by the whiskies, the Scottish coffee roaster Lisa Lawson, a pioneer of specialty coffee in Scotland acclaimed for her roasting techniques, and the internationally acclaimed American barista Andrea Allen were among the coffee experts who imparted their knowledge to Steven. Leading coffee historian Professor Jonathan Morris gave an insight into the origins of coffee and how it came to be the global phenomenon it is today. UK-based coffee artist Dhan Tamang created a variety of coffee art while sharing his knowledge on the art of the perfect coffee serve and sensory perceptions.

Steven used a balanced combination of American and European oak barrels to attain the distinctive notes imparted by the single malts, taking inspiration from the Arabica coffee bean from Ethiopia, known as the origin of coffee. With an ABV of 44% and a flavour similar to a sweet yet potent espresso coffee, Inspired by Intense Arabica offers a fresh way to enjoy The Macallan.

“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. 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. 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. 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.”

Steven Bremner, Whisky Maker, The Macallan

“Today, people have a greater understanding of coffee, they know the vocabulary, they know what they like, and with whisky it’s the same. Whisky goes well with coffee – it comes at the end of a meal and it’s natural for whisky and coffee flavours to sit together.”

Scottish coffee roaster, Lisa Lawson

The new expressions are presented in a beautifully crafted display box that combines upcycled coffee bean husks, a by-product of the coffee-making process, as a nod to their coffee influence. The Macallan collaborated with paper specialist Michele Posocco from the Italian paper mill Favini to develop the innovative packaging. The coffee fruit is reflected in the deep red Pantone colour of the Inspired by Intense Arabica packaging.

Rich Cacao, which debuted in the Harmony Collection last year, was followed by Fine Cacao, which debuted this year. Both of these expressions had different flavour profiles and packaging made from cacao pod husks.

The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica will be available from February 2023 onwards. 

For further information, head over to https://www.themacallan.com/en-my

To celebrate the world of coffee with the launch of The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica, The Macallan will hold a free experience for Malaysian consumers entitled “It’s Coffee Time at The Macallan in Kuala Lumpur” at The Bookmark at APW Bangsar from 17 to 19 February 2023 between 10am to 7pm.

You can pre-book your 1-hour session online starting today. Admission is free, and it includes an experiential kit consisting of 1 dram of The Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica, popcorn and a cup of coffee.

Register for the session here: https://themacallanharmonycollection.eventbrite.sg

Whisky Maker’s Notes: 
The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica
ABV: 44%.  
Colour: Crema
Aroma: Tiramisu, cappuccino, gingerbread, raisins, almonds, sweet oak and vanilla
Palate: Espresso, dark chocolate, raisin, tiramisu, blackberry, vanilla, Brazil nut and sweet oak
Finish: Long, dark roast coffee, balanced and sweet

Visuals courtesy of Edrington