Inspired by Intense Arabica is the second release in The Macallan's Harmony Collection, a single malt built to taste of coffee and to be drunk alongside it. Whisky Maker Steven Bremner matured it in sherry-seasoned European and American oak, and it is bottled at 44% ABV.
About This Whisky
For the coffee edition Bremner hosted a masterclass at The Macallan Estate with coffee specialists, following the bean from farm to cup, and created two whiskies: Intense Arabica for general release and Smooth Arabica for travel retail. Intense Arabica takes its cue from the Ethiopian Arabica bean. Sherry-seasoned European oak gives the dark, roasted notes, and American oak adds vanilla. The gift box is made partly from coffee bean husks and coloured red after the coffee cherry.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Tiramisu, cappuccino, gingerbread, raisins, almonds, sweet oak and vanilla.
- Palate: Espresso, dark chocolate and raisin, with tiramisu returning, then blackberry, vanilla, Brazil nut and sweet oak.
- Finish: Long and dark-roast in style, but balanced and sweet.
Serving & Food
Try it the way the distillery suggests: a neat pour beside two cups of different black coffees, ideally Ethiopian Harrar and Guji, with a bowl of lightly salted popcorn. It also suits affogato, coffee-soaked tiramisu or a mocha éclair.
How to Enjoy
Coffee lovers, and a thoughtful after-dinner bottle for anyone who takes an espresso with dessert.
Product Details
Distillery: The Macallan
Series: Harmony Collection, second release
Edition: Inspired by Intense Arabica
Whisky Maker: Steven Bremner
Maturation: Sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks
Released: 2022
Age: No age statement
ABV: 44%
Region: Speyside, Scotland
Format: 700mL
About the Distillery
The Harmony Collection was a limited annual series that ran to six releases, ending with Inspired by Coconut. Each one paired an unusual flavour theme with packaging made from by-products that would otherwise be thrown away. The first release, Rich Cacao, took chocolate as its theme. Steven Bremner led the series and has said the flavours in it are ones rarely met in Macallan, which meant working out closely how different cask notes interact.