The Macallan Harmony Collection Jing “Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea” 0,7L

The Macallan Harmony Collection Jing – Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea Non-Vintage Limited Release

The Estate

The Macallan distillery, established in 1824 on a plateau above the River Spey, has evolved from a small farmhouse operation into one of the world’s most revered single malt producers. The estate’s commitment to ‘Six Pillars’ of quality—spiritual home, curiously small stills, finest cut, exceptional oak casks, natural color, and peerless spirit—has defined its philosophy for nearly two centuries. The Macallan’s reputation rests primarily on its mastery of sherry cask maturation, sourcing bespoke oak from northern Spain and seasoning it with Oloroso sherry for up to three years before filling with new-make spirit.

The Harmony Collection, launched in 2021, represents The Macallan’s innovative response to environmental consciousness and creative exploration. Each release in the series explores natural materials and sustainable practices while pushing flavor boundaries. The packaging uses recycled materials, with innovative design elements inspired by the theme of each expression. Jing—meaning ‘essence’ or ‘essential nature’ in Mandarin—is the third release in the collection, following Harmony Rich Cacao and Harmony Amber Meadow.

For Jing, The Macallan’s whisky creation team collaborated with the JING Tea Company, renowned purveyors of rare Chinese teas sourced from single estates. This partnership allowed master whisky maker Kirsteen Campbell to study the flavor profile of authentic lapsang souchong—particularly the rare cherrywood-smoked variant—and recreate its distinctive character through cask selection and spirit maturation. The result is a whisky that honors both Scottish and Chinese craft traditions while creating something entirely new.

Speyside Mastery Meets Fujian Tea Tradition

The Macallan’s spirit begins with estate-grown barley cultivated on the Easter Elchies Estate, where mineral-rich soils and the cool Speyside climate produce grain of exceptional quality. Water is drawn from natural springs on the estate, filtering through peat and limestone before reaching the distillery—imparting subtle minerality and smoothness to the spirit. The distillery’s famously small copper pot stills (among the smallest in Speyside) create maximum copper contact during distillation, stripping away sulfur compounds and producing a spirit of remarkable purity and concentration.

The true ‘terroir’ of Macallan Jing lies in its cask program, which draws inspiration from the lapsang souchong tea-making process. Lapsang souchong from the Zheng Shan region undergoes smoking over smoldering cherrywood logs, imparting delicate aromatic smoke, sweet fruitiness, and subtle floral notes—very different from the heavy peat smoke common in Islay whiskies. To mirror this profile, The Macallan selected a combination of European and American oak sherry casks that had been toasted rather than heavily charred, along with casks that previously held sweet, fruit-forward wines.

The cask selection emphasizes fruit-driven sweetness (cherry, plum, apricot) balanced with gentle smoke, vanilla, and warming spices. European oak contributes dried fruit, spice, and tannic structure, while American oak adds vanilla, coconut, and lighter, sweeter notes. The whisky is likely composed of spirits aged between 8-14 years, carefully selected to achieve the delicate balance between oak influence, spirit character, and the tea-inspired flavor profile. Maturation in traditional Scottish dunnage warehouses allows for slow, even development, with the cool, damp Speyside climate moderating evaporation and promoting complexity.

The Non-Vintage Limited Release Vintage

As a limited-edition, non-age-statement release, Harmony Collection Jing represents a specific moment in The Macallan’s creative journey rather than a vintage or age-defined expression. The whisky is a carefully composed marriage of spirits from various cask types and ages, selected to achieve a predetermined flavor profile inspired by cherrywood lapsang souchong tea. This approach—common in modern artisanal whisky—prioritizes flavor harmony over age declaration.

Bottled at 44% ABV, Jing sits above standard 40% expressions but below cask strength, offering accessible intensity that showcases aromatic complexity without overwhelming alcohol heat. The natural color ranges from deep amber to mahogany, reflecting genuine sherry cask influence without artificial coloring—a hallmark of The Macallan’s commitment to authenticity.

The release is accompanied by distinctive packaging crafted from sustainably sourced materials. The presentation box incorporates recycled paper and features artwork inspired by traditional Chinese tea packaging, with organic patterns and earth tones reflecting the tea garden landscapes of Fujian Province. This attention to sustainable luxury aligns with growing consumer demand for environmental responsibility from premium spirits brands, making Jing appealing to both whisky collectors and eco-conscious consumers.

Tasting Experience

• The nose opens with an enchanting bouquet that immediately evokes the inspiration: delicate aromatic smoke reminiscent of incense or distant campfire, intertwined with sweet cherry, ripe plum, and dried apricot. Unlike aggressive peat smoke, the aromatic quality here is refined and perfumed, with floral notes of orange blossom, jasmine, and rose hip tea emerging alongside hints of sandalwood and cedar.
• Secondary aromas reveal layers of complexity: dark chocolate, toasted almond, and honeycomb mingle with baking spices—cinnamon, clove, star anise—and a subtle minerality that suggests wet stone or fresh spring water. There’s a distinct tea-like quality throughout, with tannic dryness and herbal nuances (oolong, bergamot) that create an almost meditative aromatic experience.
• On the palate, the whisky delivers remarkable balance. The initial sweetness—honey, caramel, cherry compote—is immediately tempered by gentle smoke and oak tannins, preventing cloying richness. Mid-palate, flavors of poached pear, orange marmalade, dark chocolate, and toasted nuts unfold, while the characteristic Macallan sherry influence contributes dried fig, raisin, and Christmas cake spice.
• The smoke element is beautifully integrated—never dominant but always present, adding a savory, almost umami quality that recalls smoked tea, cured meats, or roasted chestnuts. This savory-sweet interplay creates extraordinary complexity, with each sip revealing new dimensions. The texture is silky and coating, with moderate viscosity that carries flavors across the palate without heaviness.
• The finish is long and contemplative, with lingering notes of cherry wood smoke, dark chocolate, orange peel, and warming spices. As the flavors fade, a gentle tannic dryness remains—like the aftertaste of fine tea—inviting another sip. This is whisky as meditation, demanding slow, thoughtful appreciation to fully grasp its nuanced character.

Service & Food Pairing

Serve Harmony Collection Jing in a tulip-shaped nosing glass (Glencairn or Copita) at room temperature (18-20°C) to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity. Begin by nosing the whisky neat, taking time to identify the layered aromas—smoke, fruit, spice, floral notes. Taste neat first to experience the full intensity, then add a few drops of room-temperature water to release additional aromatic compounds and soften the alcohol presence. The whisky’s moderate 44% ABV makes it approachable neat for most palates, though water can enhance the tea-like floral and herbal characteristics. Allow the whisky to rest in the glass for 5-10 minutes before tasting, as oxidation will develop additional complexity. For a unique experience, pair your tasting with a pot of lapsang souchong tea to directly compare the inspiration with the interpretation—a sensory journey that bridges cultures and craft traditions.

Exceptional pairings:

• Smoked duck breast with cherry gastrique and wild rice
• Peking duck with plum sauce and steamed buns
• Dark chocolate ganache tart with candied orange peel
• Aged Manchego or Comté cheese with fig compote
• Char siu (Chinese BBQ pork) with honey glaze
• Foie gras terrine with cherry chutney
• Smoked salmon or trout with crème fraîche and dill
• Almond or hazelnut biscotti for dessert pairing
• Pu-erh or oolong tea (for a contemplative, tea-inspired tasting session)

Cellaring & Evolution

As with all whiskies, Harmony Collection Jing will not improve once bottled—maturation ceases when the spirit leaves the cask. However, as a limited-edition release with distinctive packaging and a unique flavor profile, Jing holds significant collectibility value. Store the bottle upright in a cool (15-20°C), dark location away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Avoid storage near heat sources or in areas with extreme temperature swings, which can cause cork degradation and potential evaporation. Once opened, the whisky will maintain peak quality for 12-18 months; after this period, gradual oxidation will soften the smoke and aromatic intensity, though many collectors enjoy the subtle evolution. For long-term storage of opened bottles, consider decanting into smaller bottles to minimize air exposure, or use inert gas spray (Private Preserve, WineSave) to displace oxygen. Unopened bottles stored properly will remain stable indefinitely and may appreciate in value as the Harmony Collection gains recognition among collectors. The sustainable packaging, while beautiful, is more delicate than standard whisky boxes—handle with care and store in a dry environment to prevent deterioration. As a conversation piece and collectible expression that bridges whisky and tea cultures, Harmony Collection Jing represents both an exceptional drinking experience and a thoughtful addition to any spirits collection.