Macallan Inspired By Intense Arabica The Harmony Collection 44% NV

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (84)

No age statement once more. I have one question, how could a whisky be inspired by some coffee? I would understand if it had been inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, or by Johann Sebastian Bach, John Coltrane or Jimi Hendrix, or by a great chef, or by a famous philosopher, or by Boris Johnson (just kidding). But by coffee? Or did they simply try to somehow copy the aroma profile of coffee? Let's see, shall we... Colour: deep gold. Nose: it's the sherry that comes through first, in the amontillado style perhaps, then we have burnt wood, lots of cocoa, plenty of toffee, some hints of cloves, black nougat, and... Turkish coffee! With its grounds and all that. Behind it all, apple pie once again, and even more chocolate. Mouth: it's good, it's a bit like the 'Night' but with more oxidative sherry, walnut stain, dark chocolate and toffee, but the whole remains dry and even slightly drying, with quite a lot of over-infused black tea, which gives it a tannic aspect. Finish: not very long but really dry. A bit of wood smoke and even more black tea, straight from the samovar. The sherry is back on the retro-olfaction, with a bit of marmalade. Comments: not bad at all but probably not Bach, Coltrane or Hendrix, after all. I preferred the freshness of the 'Night'.

Whisky Notes (85)

Nose: very nutty and rather buttery sherry, with hints of cold coffee indeed. Not immediately attractive. Latte. Hints of chocolate ganache and praline. Then some caramel toffee. I’m mostly picking up the European oak. Refinement is never its biggest quality, but it does improve with airing. Later some raisins and blackberries appear.

Mouth: starts slightly brighter than expected, on vanilla and apricot. Rather oily but also rather thin, lacking some body in the middle. Dark cocoa nibs and a combination of caramel and cinnamon. It keeps growing darker, showing plenty of baking spice (clove, nutmeg) and indeed hints of roasted coffee beans.

Finish: not too long, mostly on oak spice, hints of leather and quite a bitter char note.

Mixed feelings. On the one hand I was positively surprised by how well it evokes the coffee theme. On the other hand I simply don’t find this roasted / spicy profile particularly tasty. I wouldn’t want a whole bottle.

BOW (89)

The Harmony Collection 2022


The Macallan Distillery is renowned for its exceptional single malt whiskies, known for their depth of flavor and craftsmanship. In their quest for innovation, Macallan has released the Inspired By Intense Arabica expression as part of The Harmony Collection 2022. This limited edition whisky, with an alcohol percentage of 44%, showcases Macallan's dedication to exploring unique flavor profiles and pushing the boundaries of whisky making. In this article, we will delve into the distinctive characteristics of Macallan Inspired By Intense Arabica and its contribution to The Harmony Collection.

A Fusion of Whisky and Coffee:
The Inspired By Intense Arabica expression is a testament to the art of flavor combination. Macallan's master whisky makers sought inspiration from the world of coffee, specifically the intense flavors found in Arabica beans. By incorporating elements of coffee into the whisky-making process, they have crafted a truly unique and captivating spirit that brings together the best of both worlds.

The Harmony Collection 2022:
Macallan's Harmony Collection represents a series of limited edition releases that showcase the distillery's commitment to innovation and experimentation. Each expression within the collection aims to push the boundaries of flavor, while still honoring the traditional craftsmanship that Macallan is renowned for. The Inspired By Intense Arabica stands as a distinguished addition to this collection, offering whisky enthusiasts a new and exciting taste experience.

Tasting Notes:
Macallan Inspired By Intense Arabica delivers a sensory journey that captivates the palate. On the nose, it reveals rich and aromatic notes reminiscent of freshly brewed coffee, with hints of dark chocolate and roasted nuts. The palate is greeted with a luscious combination of smooth and velvety textures, intertwined with flavors of dark roast coffee, caramel, and a touch of spice. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering warmth and a delicate hint of coffee.

A Celebration of Craftsmanship:
Macallan's Inspired By Intense Arabica pays homage to the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into both whisky making and coffee brewing. The marriage of these two distinct worlds results in a whisky that showcases Macallan's ability to create harmonious flavors and push the boundaries of traditional whisky profiles. It is a testament to the expertise and creativity of Macallan's whisky makers.

Conclusion:
Macallan Inspired By Intense Arabica from The Harmony Collection 2022 is a truly unique and captivating whisky that combines the worlds of whisky and coffee. With its innovative flavor profile and dedication to craftsmanship, it stands as a testament to Macallan's commitment to pushing boundaries and creating exceptional expressions. Whisky enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike will appreciate the harmonious fusion of flavors found in this limited edition release. As a cherished addition to The Harmony Collection, Macallan Inspired By Intense Arabica invites us to explore new horizons and indulge in the art of flavor exploration.