A Whisper of Tea

March 25, 2026

Inspired by rare single garden teas from JING, The Macallan’s Harmony Collection 2025 reimagines whisky through flavour, ritual, and origin.

A moment of aromatic reflection sets the tone as The Macallan turns to tea for inspiration. The renowned Scotland based single malt whisky house has partnered with JING for the 2025 edition of its Harmony Collection, drawing exclusively from the nuanced profile of Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea. Rather than borrowing from tea as a flavouring device, the collaboration explores tea as a cultural language, one shaped by patience, precision, and a deep understanding of nature.

The Macallan Harmony Collection is a limited annual release that highlights sustainable design through the use of organic and repurposed materials. For this edition, the presentation boxes are crafted from recycled tea leaves, transformed after the end of their natural lifecycle. Distributed in Indonesia by PT Sumber Anggur Sejahtera, the release reflects a continued focus on responsible production and thoughtful craftsmanship at every stage.

This year’s Harmony Collection pays tribute to the precision and restraint found in global tea-making traditions. Developed to honour The Macallan’s creative legacy, the new release is shaped by a close collaboration with JING, grounded in shared values and a deep respect for nature and process. Both houses approach their craft with an emphasis on origin, believing that flavour begins long before it reaches the glass or cup.

“Our collaboration with JING is a celebration of the parallels between whisky and tea, two crafts rooted in time, tradition, and place,” said Jaume Ferra, The Macallan Creative Director. “Working together allowed us to explore flavour and storytelling in a way that feels both considered and authentic.” His remarks underline a shared belief that true character is formed through deliberate choices rather than shortcuts.

Inspired by Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea, the single expression captures the character of rare oolong grown in the Phoenix Mountains of Guangdong, China. Matured predominantly in Sherry seasoned European oak with a subtle ex bourbon influence, the whisky presents a rounded and expressive profile. Notes of peach, apricot, and floral honey emerge first, followed by tropical fruit, toffee, and gentle sweet oak. The influence of tea is suggested through texture and balance rather than overt aroma, allowing the whisky to remain unmistakably The Macallan in style.

Bridging the traditions of Scotch whisky and Chinese tea, the collaboration reflects the quiet focus and intention found in the Gong Fu tea ceremony, translated into liquid form. Each element, from maturation to presentation, echoes a philosophy where attention to detail shapes the final experience. Rooted in the terroir of Eastern Guangdong, the release underscores the shared artistry behind both disciplines.

Through this edition of the Harmony Collection, The Macallan and JING present a whisky that speaks softly yet with clarity, crafted for those who appreciate depth, balance, and considered complexity in every sip. It stands as a contemplative expression, inviting slow appreciation rather than spectacle.

Tasting Notes

Inspired By Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea