The second pair of whiskies from the highly sought after Macallan Harmony Collection range has been revealed. This time, the Scottish distiller is placing the spotlight on the humble but expressive arabica bean.
After the successful launch of The Macallan’s Harmony Collection at the end of 2021 starting with the Rich Cacao, followed by the travel retail exclusive Fine Cacao earlier this year (both featuring chocolaty cacao beans as inspiration), the next duo sees coffee coming to the fore.
The first and bolder of the two is The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica, a full-bodied and nutty single malt with long enticing aromas of sweet tiramisu and dark roast coffee.
[Read more: Glenmorangie releases first whisky made from barley kilned using woodland botanicals]
Meanwhile, the second whisky, The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Smooth Arabica, highlights the subtler tones and textures of arabica beans with a rounded mouthfeel and wafts of a medium roast espresso.
Like the inaugural cacao duo, the first whisky in the arabica pair will be available via usual channels, while the second one will be made a travel retail exclusive, set to be launched later in December 2022.
In line with The Macallan Harmony Collection ethos, all bottles in the limited-edition series of single malts place emphasises on sustainability in its packaging. For the arabica selection, the hybrid packaging was made using repurposed and recycled materials including coffee bean husks which would have otherwise been discarded.
[Read more: The Bowmore ARC-52 is one of the Islay distillery’s best release yet]
Regarding placing prominence on coffee in this second edition, Steven Bremner, Whisky Maker at The Macallan, says: “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.”
In Singapore, a special pop-up happening from 9-18 December will be taking place at The Macallan Boutique in celebration of the launch of the whiskies. The event features a sensorial journey where you’ll be able to obtain a deeper understanding of the parallels between the world of coffee and whisky making.
Guests will also be able to purchase a dram of the Intense Arabica to pair with a chosen cuppa paired with complimentary popcorn.
The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica is retailing at The Macallan Boutique for S$288.
[Read more: Glenfiddich releases pinnacle whisky collection marking distillery’s signature style]
About the Author
Dannon Har is the Managing Editor of Spill. Discovering his innate gift for drinking only at a ripe age, he spares no time trying to find more delicious drops to imbibe during his time on Earth. When he’s not minding every detail at Spill, he spends his time concocting luscious libations and sharing them with folks that visit his home bar.