January 23 2025  |  Spirits & Tobacco

The Macallan launches travel retail exclusive with Cirque du Soleil collaboration

By Wendy Morley


The fourth release in the brand's Harmony Collection series celebrates two centuries of oak craftsmanship through a unique partnership that bridges whisky-making with performing arts

The Macallan has unveiled its latest Harmony Collection whisky releases, including a travel retail exclusive expression developed in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil. The launch aligns with the brand's 200th anniversary celebrations and showcases its expertise in wood management and cask selection.

Harmony Guardian Oak, created exclusively for global travel retail, debuted on January 15 at Singapore Changi Airport with a world-first activation. The launch will extend to key travel hubs including Guangzhou International Airport, Shanghai International Airport, Frankfurt Airport and London Heathrow.

The release complements Harmony Vibrant Oak, available in domestic retail channels. Both expressions highlight The Macallan's relationship with oak, which the brand identifies as the most significant contributor to its whisky's character, providing up to 80% of flavor and all natural color.


The Macallan Guardian Oak activation invites travelers to discover the whisky's story through an interactive digital display at Changi Airport

"Oak plays such an important role in the color and flavor of The Macallan and bringing it to life through our packaging is incredibly inspirational," says Diane Stuart, Whisky Maker at The Macallan. "Vibrant Oak and Guardian Oak provided an opportunity to select the casks that deliver the classic characteristics of our two key wood types, sherry seasoned American oak and sherry seasoned European oak casks, showcasing the differences these wood types deliver."

The travel retail exclusive Guardian Oak has been matured predominantly in first-fill and refill European sherry seasoned oak casks. The packaging incorporates repurposed oak chippings from cask production and features artwork depicting Davonna, a character from the Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT show that premiered at The Macallan Estate in Speyside.

"Harmony Guardian Oak bridges the art of whisky-making and the creativity of performing arts, offering an extraordinary travel retail exclusive that reflects The Macallan's rich history and bold vision for the future," says Jeremy Speirs, Edrington Regional Managing Director – Global Travel Retail.

Bottled at 44.2% ABV, Guardian Oak delivers key flavors of dates, orange, rich oak, raisins and baking spices. The whisky will be available from January 26 in major airports worldwide and select downtown stores.

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