22 December, 2022. Following the launch of The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica, The Macallan has unveiled the second global travel retail edition whisky in The Harmony Collection, a limited annual release series of single malts driven by the brand’s inherent curiosity and its innovative and creative mindset. 

The Macallan Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica, celebrates the world of coffee and is inspired by the Ethiopian Arabica coffee bean. The Harmony Collection explores The Macallan’s future packaging journey, and each release features distinctive packaging that incorporates organic by-products and gives them new life. 

Its hybrid packaging was created using repurposed and recycled materials, including discarded coffee bean husks. The Macallan Whisky Maker, Steven Bremner, created the intensely flavoured whisky to pair with coffee. He immersed himself in the art of coffee by hosting a masterclass with world-renowned coffee experts at The Macallan Estate. 

He explored the incredible journey from field to cup, uncovering the unique process and distinct flavour profiles at each stage. Among the coffee masters who shared their knowledge with Steven were 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. 

UK-based coffee artist Dhan Tamang crafted a range of coffee art, sharing his knowledge of the art of the perfect coffee serve and sensory perceptions while leading coffee historian Professor Jonathan Morris provided an insight into the roots of coffee and how it has become the global phenomenon it is today. 

Drawing inspiration from the Arabica coffee bean from Ethiopia, renowned as the birthplace of coffee, Steven selected a combination of American and European oak casks to achieve the distinctive notes offered by the single malt. Smooth Arabica conveys the flavours of a gently spiced and soft americano, which come through at an ABV of 40 per cent and can be paired with coffee to provide a new way to savour The Macallan. 

Steven Bremner, Whisky Maker, The Macallan, said: “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. 

“A global travel retail exclusive expression, Smooth Arabica 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 a new sensorial experience of The Macallan.” 

The expression is housed in a presentation box, which incorporates repurposed coffee bean husks, a by-product of the coffee-making process. Paper expert Michele Posocco from the Italian paper mill Favini worked with The Macallan to create innovative packaging. The vibrant green colour on the pack represents the unroasted coffee bean. 

Debuting in Singapore Changi Airport with Lotte Duty Free 

Following the launch of The Harmony Collection Fine Cacao, The Macallan Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica makes its debut at Lotte Duty Free in Singapore Changi Airport Departure Hall Terminals. The first edition in The Harmony Collection commenced with the release of Rich Cacao for domestic markets last year, followed by Fine Cacao for global travel retail earlier this year. 

Both incorporated discarded husks from cacao pods in their packaging and offered chocolate flavour profiles. As part of the second edition in the series, The Macallan also released The Harmony Collection, inspired by Intense Arabica, the domestic counterpart to Smooth Arabica. 

Jeremy Speirs, Regional Managing Director, Edrington Global Travel Retail (GTR), commented: “The response from global shoppers to the first travel retail exclusive launch in the Harmony Collection was extremely positive, so we’re excited to continue this journey with the launch of The Macallan Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica. 

The GTR limited edition, annual-release format is one which has strong appeal in travel retail, particularly when combined with the rich storytelling behind Smooth Arabica, drawing parallels with the popularity, heritage and craftsmanship of coffee and whisky making.” 

Retailing at SGD263, The Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica is available at Lotte Duty Free in Singapore Changi Airport. From January 2023, travellers will be treated to a two-monthlong pop-up at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Departure Hall, together with a week-long experiential pop-up event at Design Orchard, where The Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica will take centre stage.