The interview: The Macallan whisky maker Steven Bremner on curating the right expression for the Harmony III

By Bryle B. Suralta

The Macallan’s fabled Harmony Collection is a celebration of creative force. Harmony I brought together the worlds of chocolate and whisky with some help from the Roca brothers. Meanwhile, Harmony II drew from five coffee experts, creating two whiskies with a distinct coffee flavour.

Harmony III, on the other hand, borrows from the legendary sisters Stella and Mary McCartney and their special relationship with Scotland. Here, after all, is where the McCartney family farm sits, a place that is synonymous with their youth. The Macallan made sure to make single malt whiskies that embody the sisters’ dedication to capturing the natural world, as well as Scotland’s sensorial abundance.

Mary reportedly worked with Macallan Global Creative Director Jaume Ferràs on The Macallan Anecdotes of Ages Collection. During her trip to The Macallan Estate, ideas for a new collaboration flourished. The Macallan whisky maker Steven Bremner, who previously worked on the second edition, was also asked to curate a new expression.

“The process of creating the whisky focused on the scents prevalent in Scotland in Spring and Summer. Scotland is rich in aroma with beautiful scents emerging and evolving all year round,” Bremner says. “The burst of life in spring as the countryside awakes from its winter slumber releases a sensorial abundance of character that becomes rich and heady as it moves into Spring which is reflected in the Amber Meadow.”

Bremner notes the aroma of coconut from the flowering Gorse bushes, Malty barley notes, citrus from a multitude of meadow flowers and honeysuckle in the Scottish countryside as the primary base of the Amber Meadow. “The aroma is timed to release in the warm evenings to attract moths for pollination. Truly inspired by nature and Stella and Mary’s love for Scotland that I share and was honoured to represent in this celebration of our land.”

Characterised by its rich yet refreshing oak flavour, this expression brings to the nose aromas of honeysuckle, vanilla and ripe barley fields. Meanwhile, on the palate lies a pleasing combination of the same elements, aided by an additional zing from lemon and orange notes, almond and green tea.

Complementing the spirit were presentation boxes and bottle labels made from discarded meadow cuttings. This use of natural materials at their end-of-life cycle was part of the sisters’ vision for products that adhered to sustainability. For the whisky maker, he thinks of this as creating a deeper connection with the land.

It’s a curiosity toward details like this that inspire Bremner to further innovate with Macallan. Coming from an engineering background, Bremner (who also happens to DJ in his spare time) says that whisky-making is as much art as it is science. “There are no guides, notes or instructions. It’s pure sensory and creativity.

“To this day, the single greatest influence on our single malt is our sherry seasoned oak casks from which its whiskies derive their distinctive flavours, aromas and natural colour. Our investment and understanding in sherry seasoned oak casks have shaped our signature style and the quality and consistency synonymous with our brand.”

So what is Bremner’s favorite way to drink Harmony III, one might ask. “In general, the whisky I pick would be chosen based on feelings, very much mood and situation dependent, similar to selecting a piece of music to listen to and enjoy. There is no wrong way to have your whisky. The important part is that you enjoy it.”

For more information, visit The Macallan.

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