The Macallan, the renowned single Malt Scotch whisky, has unveiled the latest in the Harmony Collection, with two new whisky releases as part of the brand’s unique collaboration with Cirque du Soleil. As two brands committed to constant innovation, this collaboration is inspired by a shared respect for creativity and a reverence for the natural world.
Celebrating The Macallan’s 200 Year Anniversary, Harmony Vibrant Oak (available in domestic retail) and Harmony Guardian Oak (exclusively available in global travel retail) reflect the brand’s expertise and mastery of wood and have been designed in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil to tell The Macallan’s oak story in an creative and unique way.
The fourth edition in the series celebrates The Macallan’s rich history with oak, which runs through every facet of the single malt Scotch whisky. The Macallan’s exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks are the single greatest contributor to the outstanding quality, distinctive aromas and flavours. Each cask is crafted to precise specifications, a process that takes around five years, delivering up to 80 percent of the flavour and 100 percent of the natural colour.
Vibrant Oak has been matured in a combination first fill American and second fill sherry seasoned oak casks, while Guardian Oak has been matured predominantly in a combination of first fill European and second fill sherry seasoned oak casks. Through the two exceptional whiskies, the key differences between wood types are showcased and how the oak itself, and its origins, play an important role in creating different flavours.
For this edition of the Harmony Collection, oak chippings – a by-product created while making oak casks for The Macallan – were repurposed and used in the presentation box and the bottle labels.
Diane Stuart, Whisky Maker at The Macallan said: “Oak plays such an important role in the colour and flavour of The Macallan and bringing it to life through our packaging is incredibly inspirational. Vibrant Oak and Guardian Oak, provided an opportunity to select the casks that deliver the classic characteristics of our two key wood types, sherry seasoned American oak and sherry seasoned European oak casks, showcasing the differences these wood types deliver.”
The releases are closely tied to Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT, an immersive experience that premiered at The Macallan Estate earlier this year. Inspired by Scottish heritage, it introduces Ayla, the daughter of a whisky maker, and Davonna, a fierce protector of the Highlands. Ayla seeks to recreate a unique shade of red tied to the memory of her father, while Davonna guides her towards a noble destiny. In her quest, Ayla delves into the history of The Macallan and discovers the vital importance of connecting with the natural world. The journey culminates in an audience experience centred around an oak tree, unveiling this fourth release in the Harmony Collection.
The Macallan Harmony Collection is a limited annual release series that embraces the re-use of organic materials in its packaging, creating beauty from materials at the end of their natural lives.
The outer pack for Harmony Collection Vibrant Oak has been designed with a lively and energetic gold colour and a beautiful illustration of a character from Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT – Ayla – is intricately intertwined with the branches of an American oak tree. The tree represents the whisky maturing in sherry seasoned American oak casks and the design incorporates peacock feathers, highlighting The Macallan’s natural colour.
On the Harmony Collection Guardian Oak pack, an illustration of Davonna – another key figure from Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT – is featured within the branches of a European oak tree, with the latter symbolising the whisky maturing in sherry seasoned European oak casks. The colours represent Davonna’s character, engrained with vibrant purples hues, symbolising wisdom and maturity.
Both designs capture the importance of the connection between the natural world and human experience, with the life and wonder that blooms when humans are “in harmony with nature”.
The three previous Harmony Collection releases include a series of collaborations – the first brought to life the long standing partnership with Spain’s Roca brothers bringing together the flavours of chocolate and whisky; the second a sensorial journey through the wonderful world of coffee, drawing on the skill and expertise of five experts and the third, a collaboration with Stella and Mary McCartney celebrating the lands of Scotland.
The Harmony Collection Vibrant Oak and Guardian Oak will be available to purchase from The Macallan, subject to availability and location.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Harmony Vibrant Oak – Matured in a combination of first fill sherry seasoned American oak casks and refill sherry oak casks. Bottled at 44.2% ABV, this character led whisky delivers key flavours of vanilla, lime, sweet oak, apple, toasted almonds.
Nose: Intense vanilla bean accompanied by sweet sherbet and lime zest gives way to fragrant pears nestled in delicate vanilla sponge cake.
Palate: Creamy vanilla panna cotta, buttery shortbread, lightly toasted coconut with almond brittle, apple and sweet oak.
Finish: Medium, sweet with lingering vanilla.
Colour: Autumnal Leaf.
Five Key Descriptors: Vanilla. Lime. Sweet Oak. Apple. Toasted Almonds.
ABV: 44.2%
Harmony Guardian Oak – Matured in a combination of first fill sherry seasoned European oak casks and refill sherry oak casks. Bottled at 44.2% ABV, this character led whisky delivers key flavours of dates, orange, rich oak, raisins and baking spices.
Nose: Rich dried fruits of dates, figs and raisins mingle with orange peel, dark chocolate and hints of warming nutmeg.
Palate: Sticky ginger syrup sweetness and a burst of orange lead to opulent glazed dates, cherries and plump sultanas alongside rich oak and sweet spices.
Finish: Long and rich with oak and star anise.
Colour: Mature Acorn.
Five Key Descriptors: Dates. Orange. Rich Oak. Raisins. Baking Spices.
ABV: 44.2%
ABOUT THE MACALLAN
The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single-malt whiskies. Two centuries have passed since Alexander Reid, founder of The Macallan, distilled the first batch of whisky in his curiously small stills in Speyside, Scotland, in 1824, beginning the extraordinary legacy of the single malt Scotch whisky.
An obsession with quality and craftsmanship is the hallmark of The Macallan. The outstanding quality and distinctive character of each whisky is influenced by exceptional oak casks seasoned with sherry wine – a commitment to natural colour underpinned by mastery. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects, The Macallan Distillery is located on a beautiful 485-acre Estate and takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills.
The past 200 years have been a prologue for everything that is still to come. This is a journey through time. This is The Macallan, 200 Years Young. Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly. For further information visit www.themacallan.com and become a member of The Macallan Society to explore the stories behind the whiskies.
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
