The second release in The Harmony Collection continues to explore our deep-rooted connection to the natural world.
The Macallan Whisky Maker Steven Bremner created Inspired by Intense Arabica and hosted a masterclass at The Macallan Estate to immerse himself in the world of coffee.
This special single malt pairs harmoniously with coffee and exudes complex flavours of espresso, dark chocolate and raisins.
HARRAR AND GUJI COFFEE BEANS
The Ethiopian Arabica bean was chosen for this expression of The Harmony Collection for its exceptional quality. Ethiopia is also said to be the birthplace of coffee. Due to the coffee's robust flavour profile and intensity, Steven Bremner chose Harrar and Guji coffee beans to pair with the Inspired by Intense Arabica expression to complement its dry fruitiness and winey characteristics.
"In the Inspired by Intense Arabica expression, on the nose there are characteristics like tiramisu, cappuccino, gingerbread, raisins, almonds, sweet oak and vanilla. On the palate, it will turn into espresso, dark chocolate and raisin, with the tiramisu note coming back again, some blackberry, vanilla, Brazil nut and into sweet oak, while the finish imparts a long, dark roast coffee style, but is balanced and sweet."
Steven Bremner
The Macallan Whisky Maker
It's Coffee Time at The Macallan
Intense Arabica Pairing Ritual
Step 1
AT HOME PAIRING RITUAL
There are five steps to creating the perfect multi-sensory Inspired by Intense Arabica tasting experience at home.
1. Where possible source Harrar and Guji coffee beans, otherwise use any two varieties of ground coffee.
2. Prepare the cupping apparatus; a serving glass and coffee cups.
3. Brew the two varieties of coffee separately. Pour in individual cups.
4. Enjoy your dram, whilst you sip on the different coffee types and appreciate the unique tasting notes present.
5. Pair with salted popcorn and enjoy alongside your dram of Inspired by Intense Arabica and carefully selected coffee types.
Step 2
POPCORN PAIRING
In an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, popcorn accompanies coffee as part of a ritual that is an integral part of social and cultural life.
The pairing is enjoyed communally to heighten the magic of the drinking experience. The chosen two varieties of coffee are paired with either plain or salted popcorn.
Start
The Whisky Flavours
RITUAL HUSK COASTER
The Harmony Collection aims to give new life to materials otherwise wasted or discarded. We encourage you to repurpose the already recycled packaging into a coaster made from the box.
Pour yourself a serving of whisky to accompany your crafting.
Mix all dry ingredients with brewed coffee in large shallow tub.
Sieve through paper-making screen.
Leave to cure and enjoy the rich smell of coffee.
Remove paper from the screen, and hang outside to dry.
Cut out a 10cm diameter circle from your crafted paper. Draw a 10cm diameter circle on The Macallan packaging box and cut it out. Place the latter on top of the crafted paper coaster.
Use your husk coaster in your ritual to sit your serve upon.