SINGAPORE. The Macallan, part of Edrington Group, has launched the latest edition of The Harmony Collection with an elegant world-first animation at Singapore Changi Airport with Lotte Duty Free.
The fourth release, launched in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil, marks a meeting of two brands united by innovation, creativity and a respect for the natural world, the brand owner said. It continues The Macallan’s 200-year anniversary celebrations and underscores its mastery of oak credentials.
The Singapore Changi Airport pop-up, which kicked off on 15 January, sees the start of Harmony Guardian Oak’s roll-out across the channel. The animation showcases an extraordinary story of oak and craftsmanship, with subsequent activations planned for Guangzhou International and Shanghai International airports.
The travel retail exclusive will also feature at high-profile activations throughout Europe, including prominent placements at Frankfurt and London Heathrow airports.
The line is completed by Harmony Vibrant Oak, available in domestic markets.
This year’s Harmony Collection release builds on the innovative partnership between The Macallan and Cirque du Soleil, first established with the premiere of Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT.
The nature-inspired performance, attended by The Moodie Davitt Report, debuted earlier in 2024 at The Macallan Estate in Speyside, Scotland. It combined storytelling, Scottish heritage and concluded with a whisky tasting around an oak tree – creating a memorable multi-sensory experience that kickstarted the whisky house’s 200th anniversary celebrations.
Lotte Duty Free Singapore Managing Director Jeff Jeong Soongyu commented: “It is a pleasure to collaborate with The Macallan once again, especially for the launch of Harmony Guardian Oak, an exclusive release for travel retail.
“The Macallan continues to set the standard for luxury and innovation, and we are proud to offer this extraordinary whisky to our customers at Changi Airport. We look forward to many more collaborations that inspire and delight.”
Changi Airport Group Head of Airside Concessions Chandra Mahtani added: “We’re thrilled to host the global debut of The Macallan Harmony Guardian Oak at Changi Airport. This exclusive launch reflects our commitment to offering travellers exceptional experiences that go beyond the ordinary, bringing together innovation, craftsmanship and a sense of discovery.
“As a key gateway for international travellers, we’re proud to work with partners like The Macallan to deliver unique moments that make journeys through Changi truly memorable.”
Edrington Regional Managing Director – Global Travel Retail Jeremy Speirs commented: “Harmony Guardian Oak bridges the art of whisky-making and the creativity of performing arts, offering an extraordinary travel retail exclusive that reflects The Macallan’s rich history and bold vision for the future.
“Launching with a world-first activation at Changi Airport, this release invites global travellers to connect with The Macallan’s craftsmanship and its deep reverence for nature through a high-profile collaboration with the world-famous Cirque du Soleil.
“This launch puts a fitting exclamation point on a year of anniversary celebrations which has seen us deliver meaningful and unforgettable moments for whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike.”
The Macallan’s mastery of oak
The fourth edition of The Harmony Collection spotlights the vital role of oak in crafting The Macallan’s signature flavour profile. Sherry-seasoned oak casks are pivotal, contributing up to 80% of the flavour and 100% of the natural colour of The Macallan’s whiskies. Each cask is crafted to precise specifications over a meticulous five-year process.
Harmony Guardian Oak has been matured predominantly in a combination of first-fill and refill European sherry-seasoned oak casks, delivering a rich and complex flavour profile.
Reflecting the brand’s commitment to sustainability, oak chippings – a by-product of cask-making – were repurposed for the presentation box and bottle labels.
The Macallan Whisky Maker Diane Stuart 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 (domestic retail) and sherry-seasoned European oak casks (travel retail exclusive), showcasing the differences these wood types deliver.”
The outer packaging for Harmony Guardian Oak pays tribute to The Macallan’s collaboration with Cirque du Solei. It features an intricate illustration of Davonna, a key character from Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT performance.
Depicted within the branches of a European oak tree, Davonna’s vibrant purple tones symbolise wisdom and maturity, reflecting both the whisky’s character and its connection to nature.
The Harmony Collection is an annual limited-edition series, blending whisky artistry with sustainability by incorporating organic materials in its packaging. Previous releases included partnerships with the Spanish Roca brothers which explored the synergy between whisky and chocolate.
Other highlights included a sensory journey into the world of coffee with five experts; and a collaboration with Stella and Mary McCartney which honoured the landscapes of Scotland. ✈
