In what might be described as a quietly radical gesture—like pouring an oolong into a centuries-old Speyside still—The Macallan has unveiled the latest chapter in its Harmony Collection: two limited-edition single malts crafted in collaboration with JING, the London-based curator of single garden teas.
This pairing—whisky and tea—may seem unexpected at first glance. But both are deeply meditative crafts, dependent on terroir, time, and the unseen hand of the maker. And this isn’t The Macallan’s first foray into fine-art-style collaboration. Past Harmony editions have drawn flavor and inspiration from creative heavyweights like the Roca Brothers, Stella and Mary McCartney, and Cirque du Soleil. This time, the partner is less performative but no less poetic: tea that tells a story.
The two new expressions are as much about philosophy as flavor. “Inspired By Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea”, set for domestic release on August 5, leans into the lush aromatics of a rare oolong grown on China’s Phoenix Mountain. Predominantly aged in sherry-seasoned American oak—with a supporting cast of European sherry oak and ex-bourbon barrels—it arrives in a warm honey hue. The nose offers peach, apricot, floral honey, and tropical fruits; the palate brings peaches in syrup, citrus, and a leafy astringency; the finish is long, sweet, and complex. ABV clocks in at 43.9%.
Its sibling, “Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea”, is a travel retail exclusive arriving October 1. Drawing from a reimagined Lapsang tea smoked gently over cherrywood in the UK, this single malt offers a smokier, darker profile. Think dates, charred citrus, ripe berries, and spiced oak, all unfurling into a creamy, sweet finish touched with aromatic smoke. ABV is 44.9%.
Both whiskies reflect The Macallan’s hallmark obsession with provenance—from its direct partnerships with vineyards and sherry bodegas in Jerez to its sustainably sourced oak from its own sawmills in the U.S. and Spain. Even the packaging nods to this ethos: presentation boxes made from repurposed tea leaves, a tactile reminder that beauty can rise from what’s left behind.
To mark the launch, The Macallan and JING have created a whisky and tea pairing ritual inspired by the Chinese Gong Fu tea ceremony, emphasizing mindfulness and craftsmanship—two disciplines as ancient as they are enduring.
As Jaume Ferras, The Macallan’s Creative Director, puts it: “This is a celebration of tradition, nature, and time.” You can taste all three.
Learn more or purchase the new Macallan Harmony Collection V and JING Tea bottlings via the brand’s official website.
In December, The Macallan added Vibrant Oak And Guardian Oak to its Harmony Collection.
