The Macallan Unveils The Harmony Collection Vibrant Oak and Guardian Oak
The Macallan has unveiled two new expressions that form the fourth edition of The Harmony Collection: Vibrant Oak and Guardian Oak.
The Macallan Harmony Collection Vibrant Oak and Guardian Oak were created in partnership with Cirque du Soleil and celebrate The Macallan’s 200th anniversary and rich history with oak. The two whiskies highlight the key differences between American and European oak and how the oak type and its origins play an important role in creating different flavors.
The Macallan Harmony Collection Vibrant Oak was matured in a combination of first fill sherry seasoned American oak casks and refill sherry oak casks and bottled at 44.2% ABV. It’s described as having aromas of “intense vanilla bean accompanied by sweet sherbet and lime zest that gives way to fragrant pears nestled in delicate vanilla sponge cake.” The palate exhibits notes of “creamy vanilla panna cotta, buttery shortbread, lightly toasted coconut with almond brittle, apple, and sweet oak.” The finish is “medium length and sweet with lingering vanilla.”
The Macallan Harmony Collection Guardian Oak was matured in a combination of first fill sherry seasoned European oak casks and refill sherry oak casks and bottled at 44.2% ABV. It’s described as having aromas of “rich dried fruits of dates, figs, and raisins mingled with orange peel, dark chocolate, and hints of warming nutmeg.” The palate exhibits notes of “sticky ginger syrup sweetness and a burst of orange leading to opulent glazed dates, cherries and plump sultanas alongside rich oak and sweet spices.” The finish is “long and rich with oak and star anise.”
The Macallan Harmony Collection Vibrant Oak and Guardian Oak are linked to The Macallan’s collaboration with Cirque du Soleil, which began with the debut of SPIRIT, a nature-inspired experience that premiered earlier this year at The Macallan Estate in Speyside.
The presentation box for Vibrant Oak features an illustration of a character from SPIRIT – Ayla – 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 color. The presentation box for Guardian Oak features an illustration of Davonna – another figure from SPIRIT – within the branches of a European oak tree, with the latter symbolizing the whisky maturing in sherry seasoned European oak casks. The colors represent Davonna’s character, engrained with vibrant purple hues, symbolizing wisdom and maturity.
Continuing with the theme of re-used organic materials in its packaging, The Macallan has used repurposed oak chippings, a by-product created while making oak casks for The Macallan, in the creation of the presentation box and bottle labels for the fourth edition of The Harmony Collection.
The Macallan Harmony Collection Vibrant Oak is now available in domestic retail for a suggested retail price of $200, whereas The Macallan Harmony Collection Guardian Oak is exclusively available in global travel retail.
Source: The Macallan.