The Macallan Harmony Vibrant Oak is an exemplary showcase of how wood maturation – in this case, sherry-seasoned American oak casks – plays a huge role in the genetic flavour makeup of the brand’s vaunted whiskies.

Keen whisky enthusiasts would know that the flavours of their favourite dram are derived in large part from the oak the spirit is aged in. But leading single malt Scotch whisky brand wants to hammer home the point with one of the latest expressions in its annual release Harmony Collection series, The Macallan Harmony Vibrant Oak.

While earlier releases in the Harmony Collection highlighted the flavours of cacao – there’s both Rich Cacao and Fine Cacao – as well as coffee with both the Smooth Arabica and Intense Arabica, this fourth release touches on oak.

That’s right, oak. And ‘vibrant’ oak too, no less.

The Macallan Harmony Vibrant Oak – together with its companion release the Harmony Guardian Oak – forms part of The Macallan’s unique collaboration with Cirque du Soleil (the lauded performance troupe even performed on the grounds of the distillery some months back). They’ve been created also to commemorate The Macallan’s 200th anniversary, celebrating the importance of oak – ‘exceptional oak casks’ being one of its six brand pillars – as part of its whisky making process.

The Macallan's Vibrant Oak is matured in first fill and second fill American oak casks that's been seasoned with sherry

In fact The Macallan says that sherry seasoned oak casks make up the single greatest contributor to its whisky’s quality, delivery up to 80% of the flavour and pretty much all of its colour.

The Vibrant Oak has been specifically matured in a combination of first-fill American and second-fill oak casks that has been seasoned with sherry. The Guardian Oak, on the other hand, have been predominantly matured in a mix of first-fill European and second-fill sherry seasoned casks. Together they showcase how different oak profiles play an important role in shaping the flavour makeup of The Macallan.

“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,” shared Diane Stuart, Whisky Maker at The Macallan.

The Macallan Harmony Vibrant Oak is available for purchase at The Macallan House Singapore at the retail price of S$291.

Vibrant Oak is companion release to the Guardian Oak.


Official Tasting Notes – The Macallan Harmony Vibrant Oak (44.2% ABV)

Colour Autumnal leaf.
Nose Intense vanilla bean accompanied by sweet sherbet and lime zest gives way to fragrant pears nestled in delicate vanilla sponge cake.
Palate Creamy vanilla panna cotta, buttery shortbread, lightly toasted coconut with almond brittle, apple and sweet oak.
Finish Medium, sweet with lingering vanilla.


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