The Macallan unveiled the latest in the Harmony Collection, with two new whisky releases as part of the brand’s collaboration with Cirque du Soleil. 

Celebrating The Macallan’s 200 Year Anniversary, Harmony Vibrant Oak (available in domestic retail) and Harmony Guardian Oak (exclusively available in global travel retail) reflect the brand’s mastery of wood.  

The fourth edition in the series celebrates The Macallan’s history with oak, which runs through every facet of the single malt Scotch whisky. The Macallan’s sherry seasoned oak casks are the single greatest contributor to the quality, distinctive aromas and flavors. Each cask is crafted to precise specifications, a process that takes around five years, delivering up to 80% of the flavor and 100% of the natural color. 

Vibrant Oak (44.2% ABV) has been matured in a combination of first fill American and second fill sherry seasoned oak casks, while Guardian Oak (44.2% ABV) has been matured predominantly in a combination of first fill European and second fill sherry seasoned oak casks. Through the two whiskies, the key differences between wood types are showcased and how the oak itself, and its origins, play an important role in creating different flavors. 

For this edition of the Harmony Collection, oak chippings, a by-product created while making oak casks for The Macallan, were repurposed and used in the presentation box and the bottle labels.

“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,” Diane Stuart, Whisky Maker at The Macallan said in a news release. “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.” 

The releases are linked to The Macallan’s collaboration with Cirque du Soleil, which began with the debut of SPIRIT, an incredible nature-inspired experience, that premiered earlier this year at The Macallan Estate in Speyside. 

Artistic Packaging

The Macallan Harmony Collection is a limited annual release series that embraces the re-use of organic materials in its packaging, creating beauty from materials at the end of their natural lives.  

The outer pack for Harmony Collection Vibrant Oak has been designed with a lively and energetic gold color and a beautiful illustration of a character from SPIRIT – Ayla – is 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.  

On the Harmony Collection Guardian Oak pack, an illustration of Davonna – another key 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.  

Both designs capture the importance of the connection between the natural world and human experience, with the life and wonder that blooms when humans are “in harmony with nature”. 

The three previous Harmony Collection releases include a series of collaborations – the first brought to life the long standing partnership with Spain’s Roca brothers bringing together the flavors of chocolate and whisky; the second a sensorial journey through the world of coffee, drawing on the skill and expertise of five experts and the third, a collaboration with Stella and Mary McCartney celebrating the lands of Scotland. 

The complete Harmony Collection gift set will be available for purchase exclusively from Reserve Bar in a limited, one-time release. As a highly collectible offering, this set presents a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to own all expressions in the Harmony Collection.

The Harmony Collection Vibrant Oak and Guardian Oak will be available to purchase from The Macallan Online Boutique, subject to availability and location. For United States consumers interested in purchasing The Macallan Vibrant Oak and Guardian Oak, or other limited-edition releases, contact Client Services at [email protected]. 

Read more: The Macallan Volume II Hits the Market in Limited Supply

About The Macallan 

Two centuries have  passed since Alexander Reid, founder of The Macallan, distilled the first batch of whisky in his curiously small stills in Speyside, Scotland, in 1824, beginning the extraordinary legacy of the single malt Scotch whisky. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects, The Macallan Distillery is located on a beautiful 485-acre Estate and takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills. For further information visit themacallan.com.