The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica: A Dance of Whisky and Intense Coffee

CONTENT: Yiew Kai Jie

Since its highly sought after release of the first edition of its Harmony series- The Rich Cacao, Macallan has always sought to drive their innovation of their whiskies to new heights and show off their innovative and creative mindset. To that end, Macallan has unveiled the second edition of The Harmony collection- The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica that highlights the relevance of coffee in our daily lives and has also incorporated the flavours of the Ethiopian Arabica coffee bean into the whisky.

The Macallan Whisky Maker Steven Bremner has created the intensely flavoured whisky to pair perfectly with coffee. Immersing himself in the art of coffee by hosting a masterclass with world renowned coffee experts such as Ethiopian coffee grower Kenean Asefa Dukamo, whose family works with the Arabica variety showcased by the whiskies; 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 together at The Macallan Estate. He explored the incredible journey from bean to cup, uncovering the unique process and distinct flavour profiles at each stage.

As Steven looked to the historical origins of coffee, he decided to utilize the Arabica coffee bean from Ethiopia, having a renowned reputation as the birthplace of coffee. A harmonious blend of American and European oak casks was used to achieve the distinctive notes offered by the single malts. With a higher then usual ABV of 44%, Inspired by Intense Arabica can be paired with coffee to provide a unique way of exploring Macallan’s whiskies.

“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. 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.

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. Each expression has been paired with two different variations of Ethiopian coffee, which accentuate the unique tasting notes within the whisky when enjoyed side by side, creating an exciting new sensorial experience of The Macallan.” said Steven Bremner, The Macallan Whisky Maker.

Just like its predecessor, the Intense Arabica’s eye-catching packaging uses repurposed and recycled materials that includes coffee bean husks to ensure that every part of the coffee bean does not go to waste. Paper expert Michele Posocco from Italian paper mill Favini worked with The Macallan to create the innovative packaging. The rich red pantone colour on the Inspired by Intense Arabica pack reflects the coffee fruit.

The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica Event – It’s Coffee Time at The Macallan!

To celebrate its newest release, The Macallan will be welcoming both whisky and coffee lovers to its Boutique at Raffles Hotel for an immersive, multi-sensorial experience that reflects the smells and atmosphere of an actual coffee field. Driving home the point of sustainability, guests will embark on a journey through the zero-waste production process, from the coffee bean to the cup, and finally back to a plant again, to fully understand the similarities between the world of coffee and whisky making in the process.

Guests will also experience a customary tasting ritual with a cup of coffee brewed from beans of their choice, complemented with popcorn to act as a palate cleanser. To further enhance the experience, guests will have the additional option of purchasing a dram of the Intense Arabica, to pair with their individually roasted cup of coffee. Exhibiting exceptional and distinct espresso notes, the whisky is perfect for unique pairing occasions just like this.

The experience is an innovative blend that marries the best of both worlds- praising the attention to detail and high quality craftsmanship that goes towards producing that perfect cup of artisan coffee, as well as a rich dram of exceptional whisky that will appease both whisky and coffee aficionados alike!!

The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica tasting notes:
ABV: 44%.
Colour: Crema.
Aroma: Tiramisu, cappuccino, gingerbread, raisins, almonds, sweet oak, light honey and vanilla.
Palate: Espresso, dark chocolate, raisin, tiramisu, blackberry, vanilla, Brazil nut and sweet oak.
Finish: Long, mild spice, dark roast coffee, balanced and sweet.

The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica (S$288) will be available at The Macallan Boutique at Raffles Hotel Singapore, The Macallan Online Boutique and in selected premium retailers from December 2022, while stocks last.

It’s Coffee Time at The Macallan is only available from 9th December to 18th December 2022 and bookings are open to the public Online 

The Macallan Boutique
Raffles Arcade, 328 North Bridge Road, #01-07 to 10, Singapore 188719