The Macallan & Cirque du Soleil: Whisky, Art, and Sensorial Experiences

The Historic Partnership Between The Macallan and Cirque du Soleil

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Harmony Collection Vibrant Oakand 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 200 years, The Macallan Harmony Collection embraces the use of organic materials in its packaging, creating beauty from resources at the end of their natural lives.

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 fourth release in the Harmony Collection aims to tell The Macallan oak story in an imaginative, visual and innovative way.

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 Cirque du Soleil 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 deeply connected to the sublime landscapes and rich history of the Scottish Highlands. The performance seeks to create a sensory experience of nature that evoke wonder, reverence, emphasising the need to reconnect with nature and protect our natural landscapes.

Sensory Immersion: Whisky Tasting and Acrobatics Combined

The collaboration uniquely converges The Macallan passion and expertise in whisky craftsmanship with Cirque du Soleil's mastery in the performing arts. This fusion results in an exceptional and unparalleled experience that marries the artistry of both worlds. A love letter to the natural realm of the Highlands, Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT is a call to reconnect with our natural world, and to raise a glass to this realm in which we are all guests. .

Taking guests on a sensory journey 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 Ayla’s laboratory, guests could experiment with color and observe the details of her quest to find a particular shade of red tied to the memories of her father, a whisky maker. They were then invited to pass through the faerie ring before taking their seats for the outstanding acrobatics performance, set in the fantastical Highlands, where Ayla finds her destiny, guided by Davona, the guardian of the Highlands.

One of the standout features was the integration of exclusive and bespoke tasting experiences. Whisky-making was seamlessly woven into the fabric of the performance, offering guests a journey that went beyond traditional event experiences.

Harmony Collection: Celebrating marvels of nature and the infinite potential of the imagination

New Whisky Releases: Vibrant Oak and Guardian Oak

Two brands dedicated to constant innovation, this collaboration is inspired by a shared respect for creativity and reverence for the natural world. The intricate illustration features Ayla and Davona entwined within the branches of oak trees, emphasizes the importance of the connection between the natural world and the human experience. It conveys the life and wonder that bloom when humans are “In Harmony with nature.”

The name Vibrant Oak and the gold colour evoke a sense of energy and liveliness. The whisky, is matured in a combination of first fill sherry seasoned American oak casks and refill sherry casks. Guardian Oak, adorned with a deep purple color, symbolizes wisdom and maturity. The whisky is matured in a combination of first fill sherry seasoned European oak casks and refill sherry casks.

The Importance of Oak in Whisky Making

Oak runs through every facet of The Macallan, and the exceptional sherry-seasoned oak casks are the single greatest contributor to the quality, distinctive aromas and flavours of The Macallan whisky

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 Long-Term Commitment

The Macallan Harmony Collection celebrates the possibilities of repurposing natural materials in the packaging and of creating beauty from our own resources. Supporting this ethos, oak chippings, a by-product created while making oak casks for The Macallan, are used in the presentation box and the bottle labels.

This collaboration beautifully blends innovation, creativity and craftsmanship, much like Cirque du Soleil does in its performances. Serving as a commitment to sustainable repurposing, this eco-conscious collection explores The Macallan future in packaging.

Where to purshase a Bottle of The Macallan’s Harmony Collection Special Edition

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.  

Explore the Harmony Collection inspired by Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT characters

Harmony IV Ayla

Ayla is the protagonist of Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT. A young colourist, she discovers the true colours of nature and her own purpose under the guidance of Davonna, the fierce spiritual guardian of the Scottish Highlands. This is a fresh and fruity highball that starts as a clinical white serve, transformed by the addition of natural ingredients and whisky, revealing a stunning shade of red.

Make the serve

Harmony IV Davonna

The fierce spiritual guardian, Davonna guides Ayla through the Scottish Highlands in Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT. She unlocks the secrets of nature's balance and imparting her celestial wisdom, ultimately recognizing Ayla as her potential successor. A bright, golden-coloured drink served over an ice sphere. With notes of ripe peach, honey and spice, this serve tells the story of Nature's breadth of flavours and textures.

Make the serve

Explore other Harmony IV Serves