Coffee in the morning and whiskey at night – not only are these the two most popular beverages around the world, but they also have so many similarities, from the meticulous production process to the drinking rituals. Raising the glass for the longstanding tradition and craftsmanship, The Macallan unveiled a new edition of The Harmony Collection – The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica. For travelers who frequent the airports a lot, you can also find the exclusive Smooth Arabica, available only at the airports.
The Ethiopian Arabica coffee bean is the muse of the collection where The Macallan’s Whiskey Maker Steven Bremner enthused that, the whiskies, intensely flavored, were made to pair with coffee side by side.
“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,” Bremner shared.
For coffee aficionados, Ethiopia is the cultivation hub not only for premium beans but also for the deep-rooted culture. The beverage is not ‘just another drink’ for the Ethiopians there’s a saying that goes “Buna dabo naw”, which translates to “coffee is our bread”. Coffee plays an integral part in Ethiopians’ routines.
The making of both beverages is much of a muchness. Whisky to Scottish Highlanders is equally significant. A glass of Scotch is beyond being deemed the national drink, it also represents the sophistication and elegancy values.
The Flavours
Working with five coffee experts – the grower, roaster, barista, artist, and historian; The Harmony Inspired by Intense Arabica creates a thorough coffee-whisky journey to savor.
On the nose, Inspired by Intense Arabica exudes an aromatic smell of cappuccino and tiramisu, followed by a hint of sweet oak, vanilla, and almond. The crema-colored whisky has a higher ABV of 44%, just like a cup of slightly diluted espresso. Hence the whisky tastes akin to an espresso shot. Gradually, the taste of dark chocolate with a nuttier tinge unfolds, finally finishing with a balanced flavor between dark roasted coffee and sweetness. Accentuate the drink with coffee, specifically the Harar and Guji beans if they are within your reach. Salted popcorn too, compliments the whisky well, especially for people who fancy a moreish experience.
The Presentation
The multi-sensory journey does not stop at flavors. Collaborating with paper expert Michele Posocco from the Italian paper mill Favini, the sustainable boxes incorporated repurposed coffee bean husks. The husks are a by-product in the coffee-making process that would otherwise have been discarded. The box comes in a minimal and elegant design in red – a color that represents the coffee fruit – a good selection for a gift or even an addition to your collection.