Macallan Unveils Whisky Inspired by Rare Chinese Oolong in Collaboration With JING Tea

The Macallan has announced the latest release in its Harmony Collection, a single malt whisky created in collaboration with JING Tea. This new edition, called Inspired By Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea, draws inspiration from a rare oolong tea sourced by JING from the Phoenix Mountains in Guangdong, China. The 2025 edition aims to capture the character of this distinctive tea, known for its dessert wine aromas and notes of exotic fruit.

The whisky was developed by The Macallan’s team of master whisky makers. It is matured mainly in American oak casks seasoned with sherry, with additional depth from European oak sherry casks and a subtle influence from American oak casks that previously held bourbon. The result is a whisky with a warm honey color and layers of summer peach and apricot, floral honey, tropical fruit, toffee, and sweet oak.

The collaboration between The Macallan and JING highlights shared values of craftsmanship and respect for origin. Both brands emphasize direct sourcing and close relationships with producers. The Macallan manages every stage of its whisky production, from working with sherry producers in Jerez de la Frontera to sourcing oak from sawmills in the United States and Spain.

To mark the partnership, The Macallan has introduced a whisky and tea pairing ritual inspired by the traditional Chinese Gong Fu tea ceremony. This practice, which originated in eastern Guangdong, focuses on artistic preparation and shared enjoyment of tea. The ritual is designed to showcase the connection between single garden teas and single malt whisky, offering an experience that honors both traditions.

Melanie Tricklebank, CEO of JING, said that the collaboration is driven by a shared appreciation for terroir and craftsmanship. She noted that working with The Macallan brings together two traditions dedicated to quality and changing perceptions about what tea can be.

The Harmony Collection is an annual limited release from The Macallan. It features packaging made from organic materials, reflecting the brand’s commitment to sustainability. Each release in the collection uses resources at the end of their natural life cycle to create new beauty.

Inspired By Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 43.9%. Tasting notes describe aromas of summer peach and apricot, floral honey, tropical fruit, toffee, and sweet oak on the nose; fresh peaches in syrup, warm citrus, light floral notes, and delicate vegetal astringency on the palate; and a fruity, sweet, complex finish.

The Macallan was founded in 1824 by Alexander Reid in Speyside, Scotland. Over two centuries later, it remains recognized worldwide for its single malt whiskies and continues to explore new expressions through collaborations like this one with JING Tea.