A celebration of the world of coffee

The Macallan reveals a new edition of the harmony collection

For lovers of coffee and single-malt whisky, heaven is at hand. Australians are a nation of coffee connoisseurs – and now, the worlds of coffee and whisky have come together in perfect harmony, as single malt whisky maker The Macallan releases its second expression of The Harmony Collection into the Australian market. The Macallan Harmony Collection II features two exceptional single malts, The Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica for retail and The Harmony Collection Inspired by Smooth Arabica, available exclusively at Airport Boutiques and Duty-Free stores across the globe.

The Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica is an exceptional single malt that celebrates the world of coffee and showcases a special harmony with the world of whisky. Created by The Macallan Whisky Maker Steven Bremner, this limited-release whisky offers a distinctive flavour reminiscent of a sweet yet strong espresso coffee and provides a delightful whisky and coffee pairing experience.

The Macallan Harmony Collection is an annual release series of single malt whiskies that shines a spotlight on The Macallan’s inherent curiosity and its innovative and creative mindset. This expression is entitled The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica to highlight the whisky’s coffee bean inspiration, as well as its unique presentation box, which is made in part using coffee bean husks, a natural by-product in the coffee-making process which would have otherwise been discarded.

Single Malt and Coffee in Perfect Harmony

Inspired by the Ethiopian Arabica coffee bean, The Macallan Whisky Maker Steven Bremner has created this intensely flavoured whisky to pair perfectly with coffee. In Steven’s words, “There are many parallels between the approach to creating incomparable whisky and coffee. Each requires unique skills and craftsmanship to achieve depth and complexity of taste and both worlds aim to deliver an extraordinary consumption experience.”

“The worlds of whisky and coffee seem very far away from each other, but in reality, they are surprisingly close.”

 Steven immersed himself in the art of coffee by hosting a masterclass with world-renowned coffee experts at The Macallan Estate. He explored the incredible journey from field to cup, uncovering the unique process and distinct flavour profiles at each stage.

“The processes in whisky-making and coffee-making are very relatable and the similarities become apparent when you collaborate with the experts in each industry.”

Among the coffee masters who shared their knowledge with Steven were Ethiopian coffee grower Kenean Asefa Dukamo, whose family works with the Arabica variety the new whisky showcases; 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 incredible coffee experiences. UK-based coffee artist Dhan Tamang crafted a range of coffee art, sharing his knowledge on the art of the perfect coffee serve and sensory perceptions, while leading coffee historian Professor Jonathan Morris, provided an insight into the roots of coffee and how it has become the global phenomenon it is today.

“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,” said Steven.

Incredible knowledge. Incomparable whisky.

“The coffee notes in The Harmony Collection whiskies are not something you come across very often. To create them you really need to dig into your knowledge of how flavours interact with each other.”

Drawing inspiration from the Arabica coffee bean from Ethiopia, Steven selected a harmonious combination of American and European oak casks to achieve distinctive notes, reminiscent of a sweet yet strong espresso coffee. In his own words,

“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.”

The result is an incredible, complex whisky, created in such a way that it can stand alone, or be paired with Arabica coffee, creating an exciting new sensorial experience of The Macallan.

Tasting Notes – The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica

ABV: 44%.

Colour: Crema

Aroma: Tiramisu, cappuccino, gingerbread, raisins, almonds, sweet oak and vanilla.

Palate: Espresso, dark chocolate, raisin, tiramisu, blackberry, vanilla, Brazil nut and sweet oak.

Finish: Long, dark roast coffee, balanced and sweet.

In harmony with nature

Almost two centuries ago, in 1824, The Macallan began crafting its single malt whisky in perfect harmony with the beautiful nature surrounding The Macallan Estate in Scotland’s Speyside. Ever since, sustainability has been a constant guide.

In homage to its coffee inspiration, The Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica is presented in a beautifully crafted presentation box in a rich red pantone that reflects the shade of ripe coffee fruit. The box incorporates repurposed coffee bean husks, a by-product in the coffee-making process.

A new expression of a top-selling brand

An obsession with quality has always been the hallmark of The Macallan. The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica continues this proud tradition.  Stocking brands with genuine and well-established sustainability credentials is essential to success.  The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica will be available at selected premium retailers, bars and restaurants from February 2023. With its unique and luxurious profile wrapped up in genuinely sustainable packaging, Inspired by Intense Arabica is bound to be much sought after.

For further information, visit https://www.themacallan.com/en-au/whisky/single-malts/limited-releases/the-harmony-collection/inspired-by-intense-arabica

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