The Macallan has revealed two new whisky releases, which join its Harmony Collection as part of its Cirque du Soleil collaboration. The releases are part of Macallan’s extensive 200th-anniversary celebrations running throughout 2024.
The new releases, Harmony Vibrant Oak and Harmony Guardian Oak, pay homage to Macallan’s long history of using sherry-seasoned oak casks.
Vibrant Oak has been matured in first-fill American oak and second-fill sherry-seasoned oak casks, and Guardian Oak has been matured mainly in first-fill European and second-fill sherry-seasoned oak casks.
To emphasise the collection’s connection to oak, the presentation box and bottle labels make use of oak chippings created as a by-product of the cask-making process.
Diane Stuart, whisky maker at the Macallan said: “Oak plays such an important role in the colour and flavour 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.”
The releases are linked to SPIRIT, the show by Cirque du Soleil which debuted at the Macallan Estate earlier this year. Each of the new Harmony releases features an illustration of a character from the nature-inspired performance piece.
Vibrant Oak and Guardian Oak join the three previous releases in the Harmony Collection. The former releases have included a partnership with Spain’s Roca brothers, a coffee-inspired whisky, and a collaboration with Stella and Mary McCartney.
The Harmony Collection Vibrant Oak (44.2% ABV) will be available to purchase from 1st November from Macallan and selected retailers. The Harmony Collection Guardian Oak (44.2% ABV) will be available exclusively in global travel retail.