Edrington-owned single malt brand The Macallan has released the second edition of The Harmony Collection, a limited annual release series.
The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica and The Macallan Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica, the single malt whiskies in this year’s release, celebrate the world of coffee and have been inspired by the Ethiopian Arabica coffee bean.
Each release features packaging that incorporates organic by-products, created using repurposed and recycled materials including coffee bean husks which would have otherwise been discarded.
The Macallan Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica has a recommended retail price of US$185 / £140 / €165. It will be available exclusively through China Duty Free Group at The Macallan Boutique and pop-ups at Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex and Haikou Meilan Airport, from 1 November 2022. It will then be introduced more widely to the Macallan Airport Boutiques around the world from mid-November 2022.
The Macallan Whisky Maker Steven Bremner said: “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.
“This exclusive travel retail expression, Smooth Arabica, 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 a new sensorial experience of The Macallan.”
Bremmer has created the intensely flavoured whiskies to pair with coffee. He immersed himself in the art of coffee by hosting a masterclass with world renowned coffee experts at The Macallan Estate.
Among the coffee masters who shared their knowledge with Bremmer were Ethiopian coffee grower Kenean Asefa Dukamo, whose family works with the Arabica variety showcased by the whiskies; 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 coffee experiences.
UK-based coffee artist Dhan Tamang crafted a range of coffee art, sharing his knowledge on the art of the coffee serve and sensory perceptions, while coffee historian Professor Jonathan Morris provided an insight into the roots of coffee and how it has become the global phenomenon it is today.
Bremmer said: “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.
Drawing inspiration from the Arabica coffee bean from Ethiopia, renowned as the birthplace of coffee, Bremmer selected a combination of American and European oak casks to achieve the distinctive notes offered by the single malts.
Inspired by Intense Arabica is reminiscent of a sweet yet strong espresso coffee and has a higher ABV of 44%. Smooth Arabica conveys the flavours of a gently spiced and soft americano which come through at an ABV of 40%.
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 is the same. Whisky goes well with coffee. It comes at the end of a meal and it is natural for whisky and coffee flavours to sit together.”
In homage to their coffee inspiration, the new expressions are presented in a presentation box, which incorporates repurposed coffee bean husks, a by-product in the coffee-making process.
Paper expert Michele Posoccofrom Italian paper mill Favini worked with The Macallan to create the packaging. The rich red pantone colour 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.
Regional Edrington Global Travel Retail Managing Director Jeremy Speirs said: “The response from global shoppers to the first travel retail-exclusive launch in the Harmony Collection was extremely positive, so we’re excited to continue this journey with the launch of Smooth Arabica.
“The global travel retail limited edition, annual-release format is one which has strong appeal in travel retail, particularly when combined with the rich storytelling behind Smooth Arabica, drawing parallels with the popularity, heritage and craftsmanship of coffee and whisky making, layered with the recycling of coffee bean husk for our packaging.”
The Harmony Collection commenced with the release of Rich Cacao (domestic markets) last year, followed by Fine Cacao as a travel retail-exclusive earlier this year. Both incorporated discarded husks from cacao pods in their packaging and offered distinctive chocolate flavour profiles.
