The Macallan’s Latest ‘Harmony Collection’ Release Is Inspired by Tea

(Photo: The Macallan)

On Tuesday, The Macallan unveiled the latest installment in its limited-edition Harmony Collection: two single malt scotch whiskies inspired by rare teas in collaboration with tea specialist JING.

The new expressions — Inspired By Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea and Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea — draw from JING’s single garden teas and continue The Macallan’s pattern of releasing themed whiskies developed in partnership with culinary or creative figures. Past Harmony editions included collaborations with Cirque Du Soleil, the Roca Brothers, and Stella and Mary McCartney.

Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea will be sold through domestic retail beginning Tuesday. Cherrywood Lapsang Tea will be exclusive to global travel retail starting Oct. 1.

Both whiskies are tied to a new pairing ritual created by The Macallan, modeled after the traditional Chinese Gong Fu tea ceremony. The brand says the ritual was designed to reflect the shared emphasis on tradition, terroir and craftsmanship between whisky and tea.

“Our collaboration with JING is a celebration of the parallels between whisky and tea — two crafts deeply rooted in nature, tradition and time,” The Macallan Creative Director Jaume Ferras said in a news release. “Working with JING has allowed us to explore new dimensions of flavor and storytelling.”

Packaging for both expressions includes boxes made from repurposed tea leaves, reflecting The Macallan’s stated focus on sustainable design.

“It’s a pleasure to collaborate with such an incredible brand and to see The Macallan draw inspiration from the distinctive quality and craft of the tea producer partners who inspire our mission,” JING CEO Melanie Tricklebank said.

Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea Edition

This expression is inspired by oolong tea grown in China’s Phoenix Mountain range, known for its floral and stone fruit notes. It was predominantly matured in sherry-seasoned American oak casks, with smaller portions aged in sherry-seasoned European oak and ex-bourbon American oak.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Peach, apricot, floral honey, tropical fruits, toffee, sweet oak

Palate: Peaches in syrup, warm citrus, floral notes, leafy astringency

Finish: Fruity, sweet, and complex

ABV: 43.9%

Cherrywood Lapsang Tea Edition

Inspired by a reinvented Lapsang Souchong smoked over cherrywood in the UK, this release was primarily matured in sherry-seasoned European oak, with a smaller portion aged in sherry-seasoned American oak.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Toffee, dates, warming spice, berries, charred citrus, aromatic smoke

Palate: Creamy toffee, citrus, oak spice, malt, smoke

Finish: Creamy, sweet, and smoky

ABV: 44.9%