The Macallan, renowned single malt Scotch whisky, has launched the latest in its Harmony Collection, with two exceptional whiskies created in a unique collaboration with JING, curators of the some of the world’s most distinctive and fine single garden teas.
Celebrating the shared values of both The Macallan and JING, Inspired By Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea (Domestic) and Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea (Global Travel Retail) are limited edition single malt Scotch whiskies that pay homage to the world of tea and the artistry of nature. Both expressions continue The Macallan's journey of innovation and natural inspiration, through the evolving expressions of the Harmony Collection.
Crafted by The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team, Inspired By Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea, is a tribute to Phoenix Honey Orchid, a rare and aromatic oolong tea traditionally grown in the Phoenix Mountain range of Guangdong, China. Known for its lush dessert wine aromas and exotic fruit notes, this tea has inspired a whisky of remarkable complexity and elegance.
Predominantly matured in Sherry Seasoned American oak casks, with additional depth from Sherry Seasoned European oak and a subtle inclusion of American Oak casks that previously held bourbon, this whisky boasts a warm honey hue and layers of summery peach, apricot, floral honey, tropical fruits, toffee, and sweet oak.
Like JING’s commitment to direct sourcing, The Macallan’s dedication to craft ensures every stage of whisky making is meticulously managed through ownership and partnerships with direct suppliers—from vineyards and sherry producers in Jerez de la Frontera to oak sourced from their own sawmills in the US and Spain. Each step tells a story that spans continents and generations, underpinning the brand’s commitment to quality, provenance, and craftsmanship.
The Macallan Harmony Collection also introduces Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea, an exclusive Global Travel Retail release that exemplifies the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. This expression draws inspiration from JING’s Organic Cherrywood Lapsang tea—a reinvented take on Lapsang Souchong, delicately smoked over cherrywood in the UK. Primarily matured in Sherry Seasoned European oak casks and complemented by a selection of Sherry Seasoned American oak casks, this flavour-led whisky delivers a richly rewarding sensorial experience that decadently reflects its distinctive notes of Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea.
Carefully selected to showcase the exciting variety of flavours and styles tea can offer, the two whiskies sit at opposite ends of the flavour and colour spectrum, mirroring the diverse profiles of the JING teas that inspired them and challenging the expectations of what whisky and tea can be.
To celebrate the collaboration with JING, The Macallan has introduced a refined whisky and tea pairing ritual inspired by the traditional Chinese Gong Fu tea ceremony (工夫茶). Originating in Eastern Guangdong, this ceremonial practice emphasises the artistic preparation and communal enjoyment of tea, reflecting a deep cultural heritage.
This bespoke ritual highlights the shared values of terroir and tradition that unite single garden teas and single malt whisky. It offers a multisensory experience that honours the complexity and sophistication of both traditions.
Jaume Ferras, Creative Director at The Macallan, commented: “Our collaboration with JING is a celebration of the parallels between whisky and tea—two crafts deeply rooted in nature, tradition and time. Working with JING has allowed us to explore new dimensions of flavour and storytelling, creating two whiskies that are both innovative and deeply connected to the land.”
Melanie Tricklebank, CEO of JING, added: “At JING, we’re inspired by the unique terroir and craftsmanship behind every tea origin. 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 to change the perception of what tea can be. The collaboration with The Macallan is a true meeting of minds and traditions.”
The Macallan Harmony Collection is a limited annual release that embraces the use of organic materials in its packaging, creating beauty from resources at the end of their natural lives. In keeping with the collection’s ethos of sustainability, the presentation boxes for both whiskies are crafted using repurposed waste tea leaves. Both releases invite you to explore the unique flavour profiles, which can be further uncovered by adding water.
Each year The Macallan Whisky Mastery team take inspiration from The Macallan’s collaborations with world-renowned chefs, connoisseurs and artists to produce innovative whiskies with unique flavours. Previous Harmony collaborations include Cirque Du Soleil, the Roca Brothers and Stella and Mary McCartney.
The Macallan’s Inspired By Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea is now available to purchase at Cellar 18, The Chamber, Jaya Grocer’s hank’s – hank’s Malaysia, Mercato, and Village Grocer’s Boozeit Retail. Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea is a Global Travel Retail exclusive. For more information, visit www.themacallan.com.
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