The Macallan continues to surprise with its innovative releases, this time partnering with Cirque du Soleil to celebrate the distillery’s 200th anniversary. The result is two new expressions in their annual Harmony Collection: Harmony Vibrant Oak and Harmony Guardian Oak. These whiskies highlight The Macallan’s mastery of wood and showcase how different oak types influence whisky flavor.
The Harmony Vibrant Oak expression is a blend of whisky matured in a combination of first-fill American and second-fill Sherry-seasoned oak casks. It offers key notes of vanilla, lime, sweet oak, apple, and toasted almonds. Bottled at 44.2% ABV, it delivers an intense vanilla bean aroma with sweet sherbet and lime zest, finishing with lingering vanilla.
The Harmony Guardian Oak, also bottled at 44.2% ABV, takes a different route, being matured primarily in first-fill European and second-fill Sherry-seasoned oak casks. Expect flavors of dates, orange, rich oak, and raisins, with a palate featuring sticky ginger syrup sweetness and opulent glazed dates, rounded off with hints of warming nutmeg and dark chocolate.
According to Diane Stuart, whisky maker at The Macallan, these whiskies provided the perfect opportunity to highlight the brand’s exceptional Sherry-seasoned oak casks, known as the key contributors to the quality and distinctive flavors The Macallan is famous for. “Vibrant Oak and Guardian Oak allowed us to explore how different wood types contribute to the flavors and character of our whisky,” said Stuart.
The packaging for these releases ties into The Macallan’s commitment to sustainability. The distillery has repurposed oak chippings from the cask-making process to create the presentation boxes and bottle labels, an homage to the central role that oak plays in whisky creation.
These two new whiskies are also linked to The Macallan’s ongoing collaboration with Cirque du Soleil, which began earlier this year with the debut of “Spirit,” a nature-inspired performance at The Macallan Estate in Speyside. The packaging designs reflect this connection: Vibrant Oak features a gold-toned depiction of Ayla, a character from “Spirit,” intertwined with the branches of an American oak tree. Meanwhile, Guardian Oak showcases Davonna within the branches of a European oak tree, representing wisdom and maturity, symbolized by deep purple hues.
The Harmony Collection Vibrant Oak will be available for purchase starting 1 November through select retailers. Meanwhile, Guardian Oak will be sold exclusively in global travel retail starting in January 2025, with limited availability worldwide.
