The Macallan has unveiled new expressions that form the second edition of The Harmony Collection, a limited annual release with packaging that incorporates organic byproducts.
The 2022 releases are: The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica, and The Macallan Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica.
Both single malt whiskies in this year’s release are meant celebrate the world of coffee, taking inspiration from the Ethiopian Arabica coffee bean.
Their hybrid packaging was created using repurposed and recycled materials including coffee bean husks. Moreover, The Macallan Whisky Maker Steven Bremner created these whiskies to pair with coffee.
He immersed himself in the world of coffee by hosting a masterclass with coffee experts at The Macallan Estate. Among the coffee masters present were Ethiopian coffee grower Kenean Asefa Dukamo, whose family works with the Arabica variety showcased by the whiskies.
Drawing inspiration from the Arabica coffee bean from Ethiopia, Bremner selected a combination of American and European oak casks. Inspired by Intense Arabica is reminiscent of a sweet yet strong espresso coffee, the company says, and has a higher ABV of 44%, while Smooth Arabica conveys the flavors of a gently spiced and soft americano, which come through at an ABV of 40%.
“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 says.
“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,” he adds.
Reflecting their coffee inspiration, the new expressions come in a box that incorporates repurposed coffee bean husks, a byproduct in the coffee-making process. Paper expert Michele Posocco from Italian paper mill Favini worked with The Macallan to create the packaging. The 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 kicked off with the release of Rich Cacao last year, followed by Fine Cacao earlier this year. Both incorporated discarded husks from cacao pods in their packaging, and offered chocolate flavor profiles.
The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica will be available at The Macallan Estate Bar, The Macallan Online Boutique and in retailers, bars and restaurants around the world from October 2022, with availability in the U.S. from November 2022. The Macallan Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica will be available in The Macallan Airport Boutiques, airports around the world and China Hainan Island duty free shops from November 2022.
Both have a suggested retail price of $185 per 750-ml. bottle.
