Description

The Macallan Harmony JING Collaboration Inspired By Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml         ABV: 43.9%       Age: No Age Statement      Country: Scotland

The Whisky

The Macallan Harmony Collection: Inspired by Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea is the exquisite fifth release in The Macallan’s limited annual Harmony series. Bottled at 43.9% ABV, this expression is a masterful collaboration with JING Tea, curators of world renowned single garden teas. It is inspired by a rare, aromatic oolong tea from the Phoenix Mountain range in Guangdong, China, known for its lush “dessert wine” aromas.

This single malt is predominantly matured in Sherry seasoned American oak casks, which impart bright fruit and floral notes. This is balanced by Sherry seasoned European oak for roasted depth and a touch of ex-Bourbon casks for a soft, rounded sweetness. Following the Harmony Collection’s commitment to sustainability, the presentation box is made using repurposed tea leaves deemed unsuitable for consumption, giving the packaging a unique, organic texture.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Immediately summery and fragrant. You are greeted by ripe peach and apricot intertwined with the heady sweetness of floral honey, tropical fruits, and a gentle touch of sweet oak.

Palate: A silky, medium-bodied entry. It features fresh peaches in rich syrup, warm citrus, and creamy toffee. Mid-palate, a delicate leafy astringency emerges, beautifully echoing the structured tannins of fine oolong tea.

Finish: Moderately long and complex. The finish tapers off with lingering honey, apricot compote, and a soft, floral aftertaste with a hint of roasted oak spice.

The Distillery

The Macallan, situated in the heart of Speyside, is world famous for its “Curiously Small Stills” and a relentless focus on wood quality. This Harmony release demonstrates their Whisky Mastery Team’s ability to look beyond the world of spirits for flavour inspiration. A unique factual detail: The partnership with JING Tea emphasizes the shared rituals between the tea ceremony and whisky tasting, focusing on provenance, craftsmanship, and the “time” required to perfect both liquids. By using American oak as the lead wood, they’ve created a lighter, more aromatic profile than the traditional, heavy European oak style often associated with the brand.

Overall Review

The Macallan Harmony Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea is widely reviewed as one of the most elegant and “perfumed” releases in the Harmony series. Critics have awarded it high marks—including a 93 point rating from the Whisky Companion—praising its supple complexity and refined, tea-like structure. It is a sophisticated choice for those who appreciate the lighter, more floral side of Speyside single malts.