Spirit Forward is a series documenting the latest releases in the world of drinks. In this edition, we dive into The Macallan’s new tea-inspired whiskies that merge the artistry of tea rituals and whisky making.
We all know The Macallan for its renowned single malt Scotch whisky, but its latest Harmony Collection release is a creation worth writing home about. In partnership with the UK-based tea experts at JING Tea, The Macallan introduces two tea-inspired whiskies that are as refreshing as they are rewarding for the senses.
The first, “Inspired by Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea,” pays homage to JING Tea’s celebrated oolong from China’s Phoenix Mountain. This tea is famous for its complex “mountain flavours”—think peach, orchid, and a sweet hint of honey. The whisky captures this essence beautifully, presenting a warm honey hue layered with summery peach, apricot, and tropical fruit flavours, all rounded out with a comforting toffee sweetness.
Maturation in sherry-seasoned American oak casks builds that fruity and floral foundation, while the European oak introduces a darker, roasted depth with a pleasing astringency. And thanks to the subtle inclusion of American oak casks that previously held bourbon, it works its magic in emulating the dessert wine aromas for which the tea is known.
This whisky draws from JING Tea’s very own Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea—a delicate take on the classic Lapsang Souchong hailing from the Wuyi Mountains—where black tea is gently smoked over cherrywood for a smooth and soft fragrance that lingers on the palate.
The whisky mimics these distinctive notes and complex flavours with the assistance of sherry-seasoned European oak casks, providing a warming tannic structure, while a selection of American oak tops it with sweet oak notes. The key element—the cherrywood smoke—is replicated through hand-selected casks that finish the single malt with a sooty smoke.
At its heart, this collaboration celebrates what tea drinkers and whisky lovers share, which is a deep appreciation for artistry, heritage, and craftsmanship. This is a value both The Macallan and JING Tea hold dear, evident in their meticulous sourcing and cultivation. Rounding the experience off, the partnership also unveiled a tailored whisky and tea pairing ritual that was deeply influenced by the traditional Chinese Gong Fu tea ceremony, which has long solidified its place as a revered cultural tradition that connects people and preserves heritage.
As Jaume Ferras, Creative Director at The Macallan, explains, this collaboration with JING Tea is “a celebration of the parallels between whisky and tea—two crafts deeply rooted in nature, tradition and time.” He also noted that it was a golden opportunity for The Macallan to “explore new dimensions of flavour and storytelling,” crafting two exceptional whiskies that deepen the connection between nature and the artisanal touches.
While the “Inspired by Organic Cherrywood Lapsang Tea” is an exclusive Global Travel Retail offering, its sibling, “Inspired by Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea,” is a domestic release available to purchase at Cellar 18, The Chamber, Jaya Grocer, Mercato, and Village Grocer’s Boozeit Retail.
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