In a celebration of Scotland's fertile lands and the deep connections they forge, The Macallan proudly unveils the third release in The Harmony Collection: Amber Meadow and the travel-exclusive Green Meadow. This exceptional collaboration, featuring the creative talents of Stella and Mary McCartney, pays homage to the landscapes that have united generations of Scots.
The Macallan Harmony Collection: Amber Meadow
Amber Meadow, a testament to The Macallan's commitment to sustainability, exquisitely encapsulates the resplendent Scottish meadows. The presentation box and bottle labels of this limited edition are crafted from discarded meadow cuttings, reinvigorating natural materials that have served their purpose.
The presentation box boasts captivating photography by Mary McCartney, further underscoring the harmonious connection between nature and whisky-making. With an ABV of 44.2%, Amber Meadow is a testament to The Macallan's artistry and the natural world's enduring beauty.
Tasting Notes for The Macallan Harmony Collection: Amber Meadow
Colour: A rich, summery evening.
Aroma: Rich notes of orange, lemon, honeysuckle, vanilla, coconut, and ripe barley fields.
Palate: The sip unfolds with rich oak, lemon, melon, classic scone, almond, and green tea.
Finish: A rich, sweet, long, and complex culmination.
Amber Meadow will be available via The Macallan Online Boutique and select premium establishments globally starting October 2023.
The Macallan Harmony Collection: Green Meadow
Green Meadow, a travel-exclusive single malt, mirrors the commitment to sustainability evident in The Macallan's approach. Crafted from the re-use of natural materials, including discarded meadow cuttings, the presentation box and bottle labels continue the theme of reverence for the land.
This edition features a photograph of The Macallan Estate taken by Mary McCartney, adding a personal touch to the presentation. With an ABV of 40.2%, Green Meadow offers a sensory journey into the heart of Scotland's lush meadows.
Tasting Notes for The Macallan Harmony Collection: Green Meadow
Colour: A fresh spring morning.
Aroma: Fresh orange, lemon, wild primrose, petrichor, honeydew melon, and bluebells.
Palate: Rich lemon, barley sugars, creamy vanilla, almonds, and fresh oak.
Finish: A sweet, fragrant, long, and creamy conclusion.
Green Meadow will be available at The Macallan Global Boutiques, select airports, and duty-free locations worldwide from February 2024.
Nature's Influence
The inspiration for these releases stems from the McCartney sisters' cherished memories of Scotland's amber fields and its serene countryside. They describe nature as both energising and calming, qualities that shine through in this collaboration.
Nature as a Muse
The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team found inspiration in the natural Scottish grasslands, resulting in a distinctive expression reminiscent of warm meadows and mature barley fields, complete with a rich, citrus-scented finish. This artistry involves a combination of sherry-seasoned oak and bourbon casks.
A Creative Partnership
Stella and Mary's collaboration marks a creative union of the McCartney sisters, celebrating their profound connection to Scotland. This partnership embodies shared values with The Macallan, emphasising love and respect for the natural world.
Presentation and Photography
The commitment to sustainability continues in the presentation, with discarded meadow cuttings given new life in the presentation box and bottle labels. Each presentation box showcases captivating photography by Mary McCartney of The Macallan Estate, creating a vivid connection between the whisky and the land.
The Macallan's Harmony Collection is a testament to the enduring bonds between Scotland's fertile meadows and the art of crafting exceptional single malt whisky.
About The Harmony Collection
The Macallan Harmony Collection is a limited annual release series by The Macallan, a renowned Scottish whisky distillery. This collection is designed to explore innovative packaging concepts inspired by their deep-rooted connection to nature and their commitment to sustainability. The key features of this collection are as follows:
- Innovative Packaging: Each release in the Harmony Collection showcases distinctive and innovative packaging concepts. The series seeks to bring new life to organic by-products that have reached the end of their usual course, thus fusing innovative techniques with natural materials.
- Collaborations and Themes:
- Harmony I - Celebrating the World of Chocolate: The first release in the collection is a collaboration with Jordi Roca at Casa Cacao in Spain. Macallan Whisky Maker Polly Logan was inspired by her time at Casa Cacao to create single malts with indulgent chocolate notes.
- Harmony II - Celebrating the World of Coffee: The second release delves into the world of coffee, featuring two whiskies with distinct coffee notes. This release draws on the expertise of five coffee experts and aims to provide a delightful coffee and whisky pairing experience.
- Harmony III - Inspired by Nature: The third release in the collection is a collaboration with Stella and Mary McCartney and celebrates the lush, fertile lands of Scotland. It is inspired by the natural beauty of the Scottish landscape that has connected generations.
- Sustainable Packaging: The collection places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with a focus on repurposing materials from the natural world at the end of their life cycle to give them a renewed purpose.
- TOGETHER: A Collection by Stella and Mary McCartney: Designed by Stella and Mary McCartney, this collection includes lifestyle pieces that bring the spirit of The Macallan into the home. The pieces are crafted by master artisans and craftsmen, and they reflect the individual artistry of these specialists. The colours of the collection are inspired by nature, with green representing The Macallan Estate, amber reflecting the natural colour of the whisky, and red honouring tradition and craftsmanship.
- Fully Recyclable Presentation Box: The collection is presented in a striking, fully recyclable presentation box. This box features interlocking layers and photography of The Macallan Estate by Mary McCartney.
- Uniqueness: Each piece in the Harmony Collection is inherently unique, featuring slight variations in colour and finish.
The Macallan Harmony Collection is a series of limited annual releases that not only explores innovative packaging but also incorporates collaborations with experts to create unique whisky experiences. It also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and features a special collection designed by Stella and Mary McCartney that brings The Macallan's essence into people's homes.
About the Macallan Distillery
The Macallan Distillery, situated in the Speyside region of Scotland, is one of the most prestigious and revered names in the world of single malt Scotch whisky. Established in 1824, it boasts a rich history and a reputation for producing some of the finest and most sought-after whiskies in the industry. The distillery's iconic location, nestled near the banks of the River Spey, offers pristine water sources and a scenic backdrop for the whisky-making process.
One of The Macallan's defining features is its unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The distillery uses traditional copper pot stills and a focus on oak cask aging. The Macallan is particularly celebrated for its extensive use of sherry-seasoned oak casks imported from Spain, which impart rich and complex flavours to its whisky. This commitment to cask selection and maturation is a cornerstone of The Macallan's character.
The Macallan's whisky expressions are known for their balance of flavours, often featuring notes of dried fruits, oak, vanilla, and a signature richness. Their core range includes expressions such as The Macallan Sherry Oak and The Macallan Double Cask, each showcasing the distillery's dedication to producing accessible and exceptional single malt Scotch whiskies.
In addition to their core range, The Macallan regularly releases limited edition and special cask finish expressions, highlighting their dedication to innovation and excellence. These releases are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs, often featuring unique cask types and experimental flavour profiles.
The distillery welcomes visitors to its state-of-the-art visitor centre, offering tours and tastings that provide insights into The Macallan's history, the whisky-making process, and the opportunity to sample a selection of their whiskies. The serene surroundings of the Speyside region add to the charm of a visit to The Macallan, making it a memorable experience for whisky enthusiasts.
In summary, The Macallan Distillery stands as a symbol of excellence in the world of single malt Scotch whisky, celebrated for its unwavering commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation. Its rich history, exceptional portfolio, and dedication to crafting remarkable whiskies continue to make it a prominent and respected figure in the Scotch whisky landscape.
[Image credit: The Macallan website]
