The Macallan unveils coffee-inspired limited-edition travel retail exclusive Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica at Lotte Duty Free in Singapore Changi Airport.
Rather soon after The Macallan released the second edition of its limited annual release Harmony Collection series earlier this month, the leading single malt Scotch whisky brand has quickly unveiled its global travel retail version. Launched this week, The Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica, like its domestic sibling Inspired by Intense Arabica, is similarly inspired by the world of coffee.
Smooth Arabica follows up on the first Harmony Collection travel retail release, Fine Cacao. While the earlier edition expression explored the world of chocolate, the new drop shines the spotlight on coffee.
In particular, the Ethiopian Arabica coffee bean.
As was with Intense Arabica, to create the whisky The Macallan’s Whisky Maker Steven Bremner consulted with Ethiopian coffee grower Kenean Asefa Dukamo, Scottish coffee roaster Lisa Lawson, and award-winning American barista Andrea Allen, so as to better understand coffee flavours.
Bremner then selected a combination of American and European oak casks and blended them accordingly to achieve the distinctive notes offered by the single malt. Here he was specifically looking for flavours of a gently spiced and soft Americano coffee built into a whisky at 40% ABV that can be paired with coffee, to provide a new and different way to enjoy Macallan whisky.
“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,” shared Steven Bremner, Whisky Maker, The Macallan.
“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,” said Jeremy Speirs, Regional Managing Director, Edrington Global Travel Retail (GTR).
“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.”
Like the rest of the Harmony Collection, the packaging for the new whisky is more eco-friendly than usual. The box incorporates uses repurposed and recycled materials, in this case organic byproducts from the coffee making process such as discarded coffee bean husks.
The Macallan Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica is available at Lotte Duty Free in Singapore Changi Airport at a recommended retail price of S$263. From January 2023, travellers will be treated to a two-month long pop-up at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Departure Hall together with a week-long experiential pop-up event at Design Orchard, where The Macallan Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica will take centre stage.
Official Whisky Maker’s Notes: The Macallan Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica
colour Toffee.
nose Ground coffee, hazelnuts, sweet raisin, dark cherry, toffee, vanilla and sweet oak.
palate Americano, raisins, cherries, soft spices, walnut, vanilla and oak.
finish Lingering coffee bean turning sweet and creamy.
abv 40%
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