TL;DR
The Macallan released two single malt whiskies, Inspired by Intense Arabica and Smooth Arabica, designed to pair with coffee. Developed with coffee experts, they are matured in sherry-seasoned oak casks. Smooth Arabica is available in airports; Intense Arabica launches in the US in November.
Since The Macallan releases so many different expressions throughout the year, it’s only natural that the distillery constantly seeks fresh ideas. Recently inspired whiskies have included chocolate, James Bond, and New York City; a cup of coffee is in order.
The Macallan has released two new single malt scotches, the Inspired by Intense Arabica and the Smooth Arabica, respectively. Both are supposed to be influenced by the Ethiopian Arabica coffee bean.
While the former will hit shelves in the United States next month, the latter is only accessible in airport shops. The Rich Cacao and Fine Cacao single malts were released last year as the inaugural installment of the Harmony Collection.
How, therefore, could a scotch aged in sherry casks conjure the energy of coffee?
Whisky distiller Steven Bremner collaborated with a team of caffeinated professionals, including Ethiopian grower Kenean Asefa Dukamo, Scottish roaster Lisa Lawson, and celebrated American barista Andrea Allen, to develop an expression that complements your espresso wonderfully.
Experiencing “the world of coffee with our masters in the business, who offered their expertise, inventiveness, and love for their craft, was both an education and an inspiration,” said Bremner. The process of making exceptional whisky is quite similar to that of making coffee. Both worlds strive to provide an outstanding consumer experience, but one cannot reach such a goal without the other’s specialized knowledge and expertise.
While both whiskies share a common denominator: they were both matured in a blend of American and European oak barrels, the resulting spirits are claimed to have distinct personalities. Smooth Arabica has an ABV of 40 percent and is reminiscent of a flat white or Americano. Intense Arabica has an ABV of 44 percent and is more like your morning redeye jolt with strong espresso undertones. Bremner, naturally, suggests drinking both with coffee.
He explained that he specifically looked for “intense notes” in The Macallan’s traditional sherry-seasoned European oak casks to achieve the “rich and satisfying elements of coffee” while adding that “the influence of sherry seasoned American oak casks added sweeter and softer vanilla notes for a balanced and rounded experience.”
The whiskies are packaged in boxes co-designed by Italian paper manufacturer Favini and The Macallan and manufactured from partly recycled coffee bean husks. Smooth Arabica can be found at The Macallan shops at airports across the globe for $185, while Intense Arabica can be purchased at the distillery and online this month and at US stores in November.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are the new Macallan whiskies inspired by coffee?
The Macallan released two single malts: Inspired by Intense Arabica and Smooth Arabica, both influenced by Ethiopian Arabica coffee beans.Where can I buy The Macallan Smooth Arabica whisky?
Smooth Arabica is available exclusively at The Macallan shops in airports worldwide for $185.How is The Macallan Arabica whisky meant to be enjoyed?
The whisky distiller suggests drinking both expressions alongside coffee, as they are crafted to complement espresso and coffee notes.What is the ABV of The Macallan Intense Arabica whisky?
Intense Arabica has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 44 percent.What makes these whiskies part of the Harmony Collection?
They follow the Rich Cacao and Fine Cacao releases as the next installment in The Macallan's Harmony Collection of inspired single malts.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are the new Macallan whiskies inspired by coffee?
They are two single malts: Inspired by Intense Arabica and Smooth Arabica, both influenced by Ethiopian Arabica coffee beans.Where can I buy The Macallan Smooth Arabica whisky?
Smooth Arabica is available exclusively at The Macallan shops in airports worldwide for $185.How is The Macallan Arabica whisky meant to be enjoyed?
The whisky distiller suggests drinking both expressions alongside coffee, as they are crafted to complement espresso and coffee notes.What is the ABV of The Macallan Intense Arabica whisky?
Intense Arabica has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 44 percent.What makes these whiskies part of the Harmony Collection?
They follow the Rich Cacao and Fine Cacao releases as the next installment in The Macallan's Harmony Collection of inspired single malts.