Inspired by tea: The Macallan brings latest Harmony Collection release to travel retail

The Macallan – the renowned single malt Scotch whisky – has launched the latest in its Harmony Collection, with an exceptional travel exclusive whisky created in a unique collaboration with JING, curators of some of the world’s most distinctive and fine single garden teas.

Celebrating the shared values of both The Macallan and JING, Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea is a limited-edition single malt Scotch whisky that pays homage to the world of tea and the artistry of nature. The whisky continues The Macallan’s journey of innovation and natural inspiration, through the evolving expressions of The Harmony Collection. Joining Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea is Inspired By Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea (available in domestic markets only), a release crafted in tribute to a rare oolong tea from China’s Phoenix Mountain range. Both whiskies exemplify The Macallan’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.

The travel exclusive expression draws inspiration from JING’s Organic Cherrywood Lapsang tea – a reinvented take on Lapsang Souchong, delicately smoked over cherrywood in the UK.

Primarily matured in Sherry Seasoned European oak casks and complemented by a selection of Sherry Seasoned American oak casks, this flavor-led whisky delivers a richly rewarding sensorial experience that decadently reflects its distinctive notes of Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea.

Carefully selected to showcase the exciting variety of flavors and styles tea can offer, this expression mirrors the distinctive profile of the JING tea that inspired it, challenging the expectations of what whisky and tea can be.

To bring the whisky’s story to life in the channel, The Macallan has introduced an experiential display at key high-profile locations globally, drawing inspiration from the artistry and intention of traditional tea rituals. Echoing the structure of a ceremonial tea tray, the design uses curated items – including JING tea leaves, a tea pet and other storytelling elements – to reflect the conceptual narrative behind the whisky. This immersive setup invites travelers to discover the parallels between single garden tea and single malt whisky, while engaging with the rich sensory world behind Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea.

Like JING’s commitment to direct sourcing, The Macallan’s dedication to craft ensures every stage of whisky making is meticulously managed through ownership and partnerships with direct suppliers – from vineyards and sherry producers in Jerez de la Frontera to oak sourced from their own sawmills in the US and Spain. Each step tells a story that spans continents and generations, underpinning the brand’s commitment to quality, provenance, and craftsmanship.

Alessandro Felicani, Marketing Director – Global Travel Retail, Edrington, commented, “This launch beautifully exemplifies our commitment to elevating the travel retail experience through innovation, storytelling, and craftsmanship. Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea is a unique collaboration that brings together The Macallan’s mastery of whisky-making with JING’s exceptional tea artistry — resulting in an expression that is both evocative and unexpected. It speaks directly to today’s luxury travelers who seek authenticity, provenance, and purposeful experiences.”

Melanie Tricklebank, CEO of JING, added, “At JING, we’re inspired by the unique terroir and craftsmanship behind every tea origin. It’s a pleasure to collaborate with such an incredible brand and to see The Macallan draw inspiration from the distinctive quality and craft of the tea producer partners who inspire our mission to change the perception of what tea can be. The collaboration with The Macallan is a true meeting of minds and traditions.”

The Macallan Harmony Collection is a limited annual release that embraces the use of organic materials in its packaging, creating beauty from resources at the end of their natural lives. In keeping with the collection’s ethos of sustainability, the presentation box for this whisky is crafted using repurposed waste tea leaves. Travelers are invited to explore its unique flavor profile, which can be further uncovered by adding water.

Each year, The Macallan Whisky Mastery team take inspiration from The Macallan’s collaborations with world-renowned chefs, connoisseurs and artists to produce innovative whiskies with unique flavors. Previous Harmony collaborations include Cirque Du Soleil, the Roca Brothers and Stella and Mary McCartney.

From October 7, Inspired By Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea will be available at in key airports worldwide and select downtown stores, with a recommended retail selling price of US$190.