To add to its mass of releases celebrating its 200 Year Anniversary, The Macallan has unveiled the fourth editions in its Harmony Collection, Vibrant Oak and Guardian Oak
The Macallan has unveiled the latest addition to its Harmony Collection. Vibrant Oak And Guardian Oak. The two new whiskies are part of the brand’s collaboration with Cirque du Soleil and come at the end of their 200 Year Anniversary celebrations.
Reflecting the Macallan’s expertise and mastery of wood, Harmony Vibrant Oak and Harmony Guardian Oak make up the fourth edition in the series. The latest releases celebrates The brand’s history with oak, especially sherry seasoned oak casks. Each cask takes around five years to create, “delivering up to 80% of the flavor and 100% of the natural color,” says a press release.
Vibrant Oak matured in a combination of first fill American and second fill sherry seasoned oak casks, while Guardian Oak aged predominantly in a combination of first fill European and second fill sherry seasoned oak casks. Through the two Scotch whiskies, Macallan hopes to showcase key differences between wood types and how the oak itself, and its origins, play an important role in creating flavors.
For this edition of the Harmony Collection, oak chippings, a by-product created while making oak casks, were repurposed and used in the presentation box and the bottle labels. The annual collection embraces the re-use of organic materials in its packaging
Diane Stuart, Whisky Maker at The Macallan said: “Oak plays such an important role in the color and flavor 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 and sherry seasoned European oak casks, showcasing the differences these wood types deliver.”
Bottled at 44.2% ABV, Macallan Harmony Vibrant Oak offers aromas of vanilla, sweet sherbet and lime zest, which give way to pears and vanilla sponge cake. The palate delivers creamy vanilla panna cotta, buttery shortbread, lightly toasted coconut with almond brittle, apple and sweet oak. The medium length finish is sweet lingering with more notes of vanilla.
Also bottled at 44.2% ABV, Macallan Harmony Guardian Oak delivers aromas of rich dried dates, figs and raisins, which mingle with orange peel, dark chocolate and hints of warming nutmeg. The palate offers sticky-sweet ginger syrup 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 releases 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, Scotland.
The outer pack for Harmony Collection Vibrant Oak has been designed with an energetic gold color and an illustration of a character from SPIRIT,Ayla, who is 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.
On the Harmony Collection Guardian Oak pack, an illustration of Davonna–another figure from SPIRIT–is featured 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 purples hues, symbolizing wisdom and maturity.
The three previous releases in the collection include a series of collaborations – the first, Rich Cacao and Fine Cacao, brought to life the partnership with Spain’s Roca brothers bringing together the flavors of chocolate and whisky; the second featured a journey through the world of coffee; while the third was a collaboration with Stella and Mary McCartney celebrating the Meadows of Scotland.
The complete Harmony Collection gift set will be available for purchase exclusively from Reserve Bar, while both bottles will be available via The Macallan Online Boutique. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
