The story of oak finds its way into the latest and fourth release of the much anticipated series by renowned single malt Scotch whisky The Macallan with two elegant expressions. Meet the Harmony Vibrant Oak and Harmony Guardian Oak of The Harmony Collection in collaboration with Cirque Du Soleil...
A shared respect for creativity, a reverence for the natural world and staunch commitment to constant innovation brings two iconic brands together for an exquisite collaboration with the fourth edition of the Harmony Collection by The Macallan this time with Cirque Du Soleil. The collaboration features two exceptional whisky releases, the Harmony Vibrant Oak (available in domestic retail) and Harmony Guardian Oak (exclusively available in global travel retail) inspired by The Macallan's rich history with oak in celebration of the brand's 200th year anniversary. The expertise and mastery of The Macallan is seamlessly woven with the creative and the artistic innovation of Cirque Du Soleil combining for another luxurious expression of the acclaimed whisky.
The exclusive affair was held at the new and elegant Fable Cafe + Lounge in Bonifacio Global City, soon to be the next hottest bar and lounge destination. And the perfect stage for the launch of the limited annual release series by The Macallan. The fourth in the Harmony Collection series, the new Harmony Vibrant Oak and Harmony Guardian Oak celebrates the shared experience with the enduring oak symbolizing strength and reconnecting with natural elements (for more on The Harmony Collection by The Macallan, see my previous posts Inspired by Intense Arabica: At The Harmony Collection Launch by The Macallan at Grand Hyatt Manila from 2023 and An Ode To Scottish Grasslands Unveiled: The Macallan Presents The Harmony Collection Amber Meadow with Stella and Mary McCartney from last year).
Inside Fable Cafe + Lounge, the creative flair and vision of acclaimed local designer Kenneth Cobonpue becomes the backdrop for the new Harmony Collection by The Macallan...
...and the bar slowly comes to life as the new Harmony Vibrant Oak flowed providing the base for inventive cocktails honoring the oak. Nature and the collaborative spirit of creativity shine at Fable Cafe + Lounge...
...brought to life by the elegant organic forms of Kenneth Cobonpue. The design aesthetics from the venue to the exquisite end product of the latest release from the Harmony Collection becomes elegantly intertwined in a celebration of glorious whisky. The story of the oak plays a key role in every facet of the single malt Scotch whisky with the exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks as the single greatest contributor to the outstanding and legendary quality, distinctive aroma and flavors of The Macallan. These oak casks are tediously crafted to exact and precise specifications normally spanning five years defining 80% of the flavor and 100% of the natural color behind the famed single malt Scotch whisky.
The collaboration between The Macallan and Cirque Du Soleil follows the successful debut of the Cirque Du Soleil SPIRIT, a captivating nature-inspired experience that premiered at The Macallan estate in Speyside. The experience highlighted the connection to nature in an imaginative, visually engaging and innovative performance while showcasing the rich history and culture of the Scottish Highlands. It's an experience reflected in the Harmony Vibrant Oak, matured in a combination first fill American and second fill sherry seasoned oak cask while the Harmony Guardian Oak is matured in a combination of first fill European and second fill sherry seasoned oak casks. Both whisky expressions reveal how wood types and the oak itself and its origins play a key role in shaping the flavors and character of the latest collection.
It's these stories that make the latest release in the Harmony Collection series even more special as The Macallan celebrates 200 years of history with even more volumes to share and enjoy.
At Fable Cafe + Lounge, an oak tree becomes the center of the elegant space in a recurring theme with acorn shaped glasses containing the precious Harmony Vibrant Oak.
The Macallan Brand Ambassador Hans Eckstein welcomed guests at the exclusive affair and encouraged everyone to gather around the fabled oak tree...
...for a taste of the Harmony Vibrant Oak by The Macallan.
The bright amber red hues of the latest release from the Harmony Collection reflects how wood, specifically oak, shapes the colors, flavors and aromas of whisky in a long and slow process.
A gentle whiff of the Harmony Vibrant Oak brings a medley of aromatic hints from dried dates, figs and raisins to citric orange peel, dark chocolate and nutmeg. A soothing sip leaves a lingering ginger syrup sweetness on the palate followed by oranges, glazed dates, cherries and sultanas finished by rich oak and sweet spices. Hints of vanilla completes the flavors for a proper celebration of the oak by The Macallan.
The Harmony Vibrant Oak by The Macallan becomes the base for a trio of handcrafted cocktails at the launch in Fable Cafe + Lounge inspired by the characters and story of SPIRIT by Cirque Du Soleil...
...starting with the Ayla (named after the lead character in SPIRIT by Cirque Du Soleil), a light and smooth libation with Harmony Vibrant Oak, rhubarb, raspberry, lemon barley and soda. The bright notes of the rhubarb, raspberry and lemon barley are given a flavorful depth by the Harmony Vibrant Oak for a balanced and refreshing finish.
The Andalusia brings tart and sweet notes in an elaborate play on flavors with its blend of Harmony Vibrant Oak, Valdespino Oloroso Sherry, lemon, orange blossom and sea salt. The bright flavorful bursts of lemon are tempered by the deep lingering sweetness of the Harmony Vibrant Oak for an elegant finish.
The Asrai with its blend of Harmony Vibrant Oak, Valdespino Oloroso Sherry, brown sugar and autumn bitters rounds out the libations at Fable Cafe + Lounge with its bold, rounded yet smooth flavors. This is my pick for the evening.
Tasty nibbles were delicately prepared at Fable Cafe + Lounge to pair with rounds of libation...
...in another masterfully choreographed performance in an already memorable afternoon.
Canapes of goat cheese and roasted fig tartlet with orange blossom honey drizzle, ricotta crostini with spiced apple and caramelized onion chutney and key lime panna cotta with toasted almond brittle teased the palate with its play on textural contrasts and flavors.
Serious whisky enthusiasts and collectors now have one more box to tick off on their growing check list. The milestone 200th anniversary of The Macallan is certainly one good reason to raise a toast, and the Harmony Vibrant Oak from the Harmony Collection Series is a proper whisky to honor the long whisky traditions of the Scottish Highlands.
From the very first release of the Harmony Collection featuring the pure indulgence of chocolate by Spain's Roca Brothers to the sensorial journey deep into the world of coffee and a collaboration with Stella and Mary McCartney celebrating the lands of Scotland, The Macallan continues to explore and innovate various expressions with its latest release inspired by the imaginative artistry of Cirque Du Soleil. And it's a continuing story with many more stories yet to unfold. In the meantime, here's a toast with the Harmony Vibrant Oak to The Macallan's milestone 200th anniversary...Slàinte Mhath!
For more on The Macallan Harmony Collection, you can visit their website at https://www.themacallan.com/ for updates and more information.
Fable Cafe + Lounge is located at 8th Avenue corner 36th Street Bonifacio Global City Taguig City. You can also visit their FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.facebook.com/@fablelounge/ and https://www.instagram.com/fablecafelounge/ for more information and updates.
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