Introducing The Macallan x McCartneys Harmony Amber & Green Meadow whisky collection

High-end whisky house The Macallan has announced two new whiskies as part of its ongoing Harmony series, Amber Meadow and Green Meadow, along with a limited-edition ensemble of 11 lifestyle pieces, created by the McCartney sisters, Stella and Mary: ‘Together: A Collection for The Macallan by Stella and Mary McCartney.’ 

Introducing the new whiskies, brand ambassador Aaron Masonde said: “They’re very experimental. The Harmony collection is where the whisky makers really come into their own. They’re not constrained by a certain age profile that they have to go for. They can think outside the box…” 

To mark the launch, the brand has opened an experiential The Macallan garden at London’s Rosewood Hotel, complete with pines and babbling brook. The garden is open to the public until October 31.

The third edition of The Harmony Collection, Amber Meadow will be available from October, however Green Meadow won’t ship until February 2024, and will be a travel retail exclusive.

The Harmony Collection is all about repurposing waste materials, explains Masonde. “The first was about chocolate, where we took waste products from chocolate manufacture and made packaging from it. Last year it was about coffee, we did exactly the same thing. This year we’ve incorporated grass cuttings in 100 per cent biodegradable, recyclable packaging.”  

The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow & Green Meadow Tasting Notes

The Luxe Review has tasted both expressions and can confirm they’re very different from each other. The product of ex bourbon casks and American sherry seasoned casks, The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow has been bottled at 44.2% ABV, while Green Meadow has an ABV of 40.2%.

Green Meadow offers citrus and floral notes on the nose, which develop further on the palate. Honeydew melon mingles with lemon, and there’s a fresh, earthy note to the liquid. The mouthfeel is delightfully light.  

By way of comparison, The Macallan Amber Meadow is more overtly vanilla and coconut on the nose, with wafts of barley cereal. On the palate, it’s creamy and complex, with a slight nuttiness and stronger melon notes. There’s a distinctive hint of scones and lemon curd.

The Macallan x Stella and Mary McCartney collaboration

As their first joint venture, the McCartney sisters, whose deep-rooted affection for Scotland dates back decades, have pooled their creative talents to bring to life a collection inspired by the rolling landscapes, pristine forests, and the pristine river Spey that surrounds The Macallan estate, an evocative of summer picnics.

The collection showcases the skills of artisans who have honed their techniques over centuries. Each piece is meticulously crafted by hand, making every item inherently unique. Included are a pair of glass tumblers, glass jug, a glass ice bucket and tongs, a set of three ceramic bowls, framed prints and a lambs wool blanket. 

“We feel really lucky to be launching our first collaboration and making this range of pieces with The Macallan,” says Mary McCartney, her words echoing the sentiment of both sisters. Stella McCartney added, “We wanted to create a collection that celebrated the highest quality of materials and incredible craftsmanship that would be fitting of the shared values between us all.”

The collection’s colours pay tribute to the distinctive elements of The Macallan and Scotland itself. Green hues reflect the lush landscapes of The Macallan Estate, while amber tones nod to the whisky’s natural colour, and the rich red represents the brand’s commitment to tradition and craftsmanship.   

Sporting the debut of Stella and Mary’s logo, alongside The Macallan logo, the complete set will be available in limited numbers, priced at £10,000 apiece.