The Historic Partnership Between The Macallan and Cirque du Soleil
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Harmony Collection Vibrant Oak and the travel exclusive, Guardian Oak. This release is a unique collaboration with Cirque du Soleil celebrating the 200th anniversary of The Macallan.
Crafted without compromise. Please savor The Macallan responsibly and in moderation. The Macallan Harmony Collection Vibrant Oak and The Macallan Harmony Collection Guardian Oak are for adults of legal drinking age, do not share with anyone under the legal purchase age.
Celebrating The Macallan’s 200th Anniversary
Inspired by the deep-rooted connection to nature spanning nearly 200 years, The Macallan Harmony Collection has been created as a limited annual release series to explore the brand's future in packaging.
Each release showcases unique, creative packaging that breathes new life into organic by-products that have fulfilled their usual purpose. By blending cutting-edge techniques with natural materials at the end of their life cycle, the collection re-envisions these elements with a renewed purpose.
The Creative Fusion of Whisky and Performance Art
Cirque du Soleil's world-renowned performances inspire change through creativity and art. In perfect harmony, The Macallan and Cirque du Soleil combined their crafts to present this enchanting release of the Harmony Collection. This unique whisky aims to be a fusion of the marvels of nature and the infinite potential of the imagination.
Global Collaboration: Bringing Together Iconic Brands
Cirque might be one of the most knowledgeable live entertainment companies and know the ins and outs of show business like few others, but the tedious art of spirit-making still eludes us. Collaborating closely with The Macallan in a global partnership across borders was a sure way to create a successful alliance between our two iconic brands. Mutual expertise elevates one another, making it essential for achieving a harmonious outcome.
First Event: Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT at The Macallan Estate
The Macallan Estate: A Historic Venue in the Scottish Highlands
The releases are tied to The Macallan’s collaboration with Cirque du Soleil, which began with the debut of SPIRIT, an incredible nature-inspired experience that premiered earlier this year, at The Macallan Estate in Speyside.
The universe of Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT is directly connected to the sublime landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and its history. The show aimed to create a visceral experience of nature that instills a sense of wonder, reverence, and the critical need to protect our natural landscapes.
Sensory Immersion: Whisky Tasting and Acrobatics Combined
Just as Cirque du Soleil seamlessly blends creativity and artistry in its performances, this collaboration harmonized craftsmanship and imagination into an ode to the natural world.
Taking guests on a sensory experience through sight, sound, touch, smell and taste, they made their way around the premises while acrobats and artists performed right before their eyes. Starting inside of Ayla’s laboratory, guests could play around with color and observe the details pertaining to her research in an immersive adventure. Visitors were encouraged to partake in a whisky tasting before passing through the faerie ring and taking their seat for the bulk of the acrobatics performance, set in the fantastical Highlands, where everything could happen.
The Harmony Collection: Celebrating Craftsmanship and Nature
New Whisky Releases: Vibrant Oak and Guardian Oak
This newest limited-edition creation, designed by Cirque du Soleil, evokes a sense of wonder and highlights the need to reconnect with and protect nature. The intricate illustration features Ayla and Davona, entwined within the branches of oak trees, symbolizing the importance of harmony between humanity and nature.
The name Vibrant Oak, with its golden hued label, reflects energy and vitality, honoring the American oak casks that shape The Macallan’s flavors. Guardian Oak, adorned with a deep purple color, symbolizes wisdom and maturity, much like the European oak casks that contribute to the whisky’s depth.
The Importance of Oak in Whisky Making
Oak is at the heart of The Macallan’s craft. The rich wood imparts flavor and depth to the final product, a true sign of craftsmanship.
As Diane Stuart, Whisky Maker at The Macallan puts it: “Oak plays such an important role in the color and flavor 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.”
The Role of Sustainability in The Macallan’s Future
The Macallan’s Commitment to Environmental Responsibility
The Collection celebrates a connection to nature and the importance of preserving it. Crafted using repurposed materials, each bottle draws inspiration from the oak tree, the key to The Macallan’s signature flavors. This collaboration beautifully blends creativity and craftsmanship, just as Cirque du Soleil does in its performances. Serving as a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, this eco-conscious production is spearheading the future of whisky making.
How to Get a Bottle of The Macallan’s Special Edition Whiskies
Online and Retail Availability: Where to Purchase the Vibrant Oak and Guardian Oak
The Macallan Harmony Collection Vibrant Oak will be available at The Macallan Estate Bar by the dram, The Macallan Estate, The Macallan Online Boutique, specialist e-commerce retailers and in specialist and premium retailers, bars and restaurants around the world subject to availability from October 2024. The Macallan Harmony Collection Guardian Oak will be available in The Macallan Airport Boutiques and key airports around the world and China Hainan Island duty free shops subject to availability from January 2025.