Driven by the brand’s inherent curiosity and its innovative and creative mindset. The collection explores The Macallan’s future packaging journey, each release featuring distinctive packaging that incorporates organic by-products and gives them new life.
The Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica single malt whisky is inspired by the Ethiopian Arabica coffee bean and celebrates the harmonious synergies between the world of coffee and whisky. The Macallan Whisky Maker Steven Bremner has created the distinct coffee flavour profile to pair perfectly with coffee providing an unexpected and playful way to pair whisky and coffee together.
The Macallan, together with five experts specialising in the coffee ecosystem, have united to celebrate the synergies of whisky and coffee through shared knowledge, creativity and passion. The Macallan Whisky Maker Steven Bremner immersed himself in the art of coffee by hosting a masterclass with world renowned coffee experts at The Macallan Estate and explored the incredible journey from field to cup, uncovering the unique process and distinct flavour profiles at each stage.
“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.”
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 whisky; Scottish coffee roaster Lisa Lawson, a pioneer of speciality coffee in Scotland acclaimed for her roasting techniques; and award winning American barista Andrea Allen, renowned for creating incredible coffee experiences. 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.
Drawing inspiration from the Arabica coffee bean from Ethiopia, renowned as the birthplace of coffee, Steven selected a harmonious combination of American and European oak casks to achieve the distinctive notes offered by the single malt. Inspired by Intense Arabica is reminiscent of a sweet yet strong espresso coffee and pairs in perfect harmony with coffee, providing a distinctive way to experience The Macallan.
“In the Inspired by Intense Arabica expression, on the nose there are characteristics like tiramisu, cappucino, gingerbread, raisins, almonds, sweet oak and vanilla. On the palate, it will turn into espresso, dark chocolate and raisin, with the tiramisu note coming back again, some blackberry, vanilla, Brazil nut and into sweet oak, while the finish imparts a long, dark roast coffee style, but is balanced and sweet.”
“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.“
Scottish coffee roaster, Lisa Lawson, said: “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.”
In homage to its coffee inspiration, Inspired by Intense Arabica is encased in a beautiful presentation box made using repurposed and recycled materials including coffee bean husks which are natural by-products of the coffee-making process. The Macallan worked with Paper expert Michele Posocco from Italian paper mill Favini to create the packaging incorporating rich red pantone colours to reflect the colour of coffee fruit in nature.
The Harmony Collection commenced in 2021 with the release of Rich Cacao which offered indulgent chocolate flavour notes and incorporated discarded husks from cacao pods in the packaging. Sustainability has been a constant guiding principle since The Macallan began crafting single malt whisky in harmony with the beautiful nature that surrounds The Macallan Estate in 1824. The Harmony Collection is inspired by a deep connection to the natural world, which has been at the heart of The Macallan for nearly 200 years.
The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica has an RRP of $299 and will be available in selected retailers, bars and restaurants from February 2023.
