The Macallan, one of the most revered single malt Scotch whisky distilleries in the world, expands its experimental Harmony Collection with a striking new release in partnership with Cirque du Soleil. Known for its unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, The Macallan has long set the benchmark for Speyside whisky, combining tradition with innovation for nearly 200 years.

The Macallan brand ambassador Hans Eckstein with the newly-released Vibrant Oak | Photo: Jeeves De Veyra

The Harmony Collection is a limited-edition series that explores the sensorial side of whisky—each expression themed around flavor, aroma, or an essential element of whisky-making. Past editions have delved into notes of rich cacao, fragrant arabica coffee, and the fresh, herbaceous scent of Scottish meadows.

This latest release introduces not one but two new whiskies inspired by a creative collaboration with Cirque du Soleil. It's a fusion of disciplines—whisky and performance—rooted in a shared passion for nature, storytelling, and boundary-pushing artistry. The result is a duo of whiskies that not only taste remarkable but celebrate the harmony between earth, imagination, and craft.

The Macallan Harmony Vibrant Oak, Fourth Edition | Photo: Courtesy of The Macallan

The Macallan pays homage to wood with the release of The Macallan Harmony Vibrant Oak, the Fourth Edition in their much sought-after Harmony Collection.

As mentioned, The Harmony Collection interprets different aspects of whisky with a blend from whiskies from different casks. Previous expressions focused on notes and flavors like cacao and arabica coffee beans in the first two expressions. The last expression the series brought whisky lovers to the meadows of Scotland through the aroma of the whisky.

For the fourth edition in the series, The Macallan themes this to an indispensable component of whisky making. The wood, specifically oak, that’s used to make the barrels for ageing whisky.

A fanciful 'oak tree' created for the launch of the new whiskies | Photo: Courtesy of The Macallan

By honoring oak, it’s a fitting Harmony expression to celebrate the 200 years anniversary of the Speyside distillery.

Holding it out to the light, the color is light gold, though a tad darker than Amber Meadow, the previous expression in the series.

A closer look at the 'oak tree' | Photo: Courtesy of The Macallan

At first sip, the pleasant traditional Speyside notes of honey, vanilla and bright citrus from the first fill American Oak barrels hits the palate. With an ABV of 44.2%, it’s felt in the pronounced wood finish. I’d recommend opening this whisky up with a drop or two of water to really expose the sweet note. For those who aren’t into the strong notes, have this on the rocks to tame the finish.

A whisky for the connoisseur | Photo: The Macallan

The box and bottle are key components of any special editions. All Harmony collection boxes are made with waste byproducts as a nod to the whisky maker’s sustainability efforts. For this one, it’s made with oak chips.

With a miniature oak tree | Photo: The Macallan

The design imprinted on the special edition’s packaging is a collaboration with Cirque Du Soleil. The world-renowned circus mounted a limited run crowds at the Macallan Estate of an original story made around the production of whisky. Both the box and bottle are adorned with characters from that show. The design is more elaborate than past Harmony editions featuring the collection’s signature flavor spiral front and center.

The Vibrant Oak is a fitting addition to the Harmony series for the bicentennial of The Macallan. Specially for experienced whisky drinkers who look for those out of the ordinary notes. The Macallan did justice to their homage of the wood and oak that is intrinsic with the ageing of whiskey

The Macallan Harmony Vibrant Oak (70cl bottle) is available at reputable liquor and spirits purveyors with an SRP of 15,800. A special travel edition, The Macallan Guardian Oak, is exclusively available at Airpots and Duty Free Stores around the world.