The Macallan, the renowned single Malt Scotch whisky, has unveiled the latest in the Harmony Collection, with two new whisky releases as part of the brand’s unique collaboration with Cirque du Soleil.

Celebrating The Macallan’s 200 Year Anniversary, Harmony Vibrant Oak (available in domestic retail) and Harmony Guardian Oak (exclusively available in global travel retail) reflect the brand’s expertise and mastery of wood.

The fourth edition in the series celebrates The Macallan’s rich history with oak, which runs through  every facet of the single malt Scotch whisky. The Macallan’s exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks are the single greatest contributor to the outstanding quality, distinctive aromas and flavours. Each cask is crafted to precise specifications, a process that takes around five years, delivering up to 80 percent of the flavour and 100 percent of the natural colour, the company said in a statement.

Vibrant Oak has been matured in a combination of first fill American and second fill sherry seasoned oak casks, while Guardian Oak has been matured predominantly in a combination of first fill European and second fill sherry seasoned oak casks. Through the two exceptional whiskies, the key differences between wood types are showcased and how the oak itself, and its origins, play an important role in creating different flavours.  

For this edition of the Harmony Collection, oak chippings – a by-product created while making oak casks for The Macallan – were repurposed and used in the presentation box and the bottle labels.

Diane Stuart, whisky maker at The Macallan said: “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.”