Whisky with a Green Heart: The Macallan’s Unwavering Commitment to Sustainability

The Macallan, with a two-century commitment to sustainability, stands as a trailblazer in eco-friendly practices within the Whisky industry. From responsible sourcing to carbon footprint reduction, it seamlessly blends exceptional spirits with environmental consciousness. The latest edition, The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica, was

 recently unveiled in Lagos. Vanessa Obioha reports

In recent months, The Macallan, a prestigious Scottish whisky distillery, has been making strides in promoting sustainability through its innovative single malt series, The Harmony Collection. This series represents a bold exploration of sustainable packaging, as the brand combines innovative techniques with naturally sourced materials used conscientiously at the end of their life cycle.

During the unveiling of its latest edition, The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired by Intense Arabica, in Lagos, in July 2023, notable personalities were immersed in an evening that celebrated the harmonious interplay between two beloved beverages: coffee and whisky.

This second edition in the collection is inspired by the Ethiopian Arabica coffee bean and celebrates the world of coffee. At the heart of the collection are five coffee masters who collaborated with The Macallan Whisky Maker, Steven Bremmer, lending their knowledge, creativity, and passion to bring this whisky to life.

Under the guidance of The Macallan Brand Ambassador for Abuja, Adeyinka Adepetun, and The Macallan Brand Specialist, Rasak Makanjuola, alongside the support of renowned coffee brand Happy Coffee International, attendees which included OAP and Vice President, Marketing, Wakanow, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi; renowned fashion designer, Mai Atafo; GM M-Kopa Nigeria, Babajide Durojaiye, actor Eso Dike; beauty queen and Miss Africa 2022, Precious Okoye, and Daniel Atteh, embarked on a sensory journey.

Blending European and American oak casks, Intense Arabica exudes notes reminiscent of strong espresso, a perfect complement to coffee indulgence. Guests gained a newfound appreciation for coffee flavours akin to savouring The Macallan’s single malt.

The Macallan prioritizes sustainability by responsibly sourcing ingredients like barley and corn, promoting eco-friendly practices. The coffee used during the event was harvested from Taraba, a state in North-eastern Nigeria prominent for its production of cash crops such as coffee, tea, groundnuts and cotton. Throughout the event, guests were educated about the similarities between whisky and coffee, from the aromas to the roasting process. The event’s highlight was a captivating pairing ritual, showcasing the delightful harmony when whiskey and coffee unite.

“This collection represents a celebration of the artistry and passion that goes into crafting our whiskies, as well as a unique opportunity to explore the interplay between two of the world’s most beloved beverages,” said Brand Education Manager, MEAI, The Macallan, Joddie Marriot.

The Macallan’s homage to coffee extends beyond flavour, with the Intense Arabica edition encased in a fully recyclable and biodegradable presentation box. This eco-friendly packaging is crafted using natural by-products from the coffee-making process, including discarded bean husks.

Inspired by Intense Arabica followed the triumph of the first limited edition under The Macallan Harmony Collection, Rich Cacao, which presented an exciting fusion of chocolate and whisky.

Launched in Nigeria in December 2022, Rich Cacao draws inspiration from a Spanish chocolate factory. Created from a blend of European and American oak casks, it offers an exceptionally rich single malt with a deep chocolate profile, perfect when paired with indulgent chocolate. The packaging also highlights The Macallan’s sustainability commitment, using recycled cacao pod husks.

The Macallan’s sustainable packaging efforts are part of its environmental goals to ensure that all packaging is sustainably sourced and widely recyclable by 2025. The brand is committed to maximising its ability to reduce, reuse and recycle materials used within its products. Specifically, it repurposes spirits-making waste, evolving cardboard for recycling, increasing recyclable glass content, and reducing packaging weight. In 2021/22, distillation coproducts were repurposed for energy generation. Currently, 98% of their packaging is recyclable and sustainable.

Sustainability has always been second nature to The Macallan dating as far back as 1824. On its 485-acre River Spey Estate in Scotland, over 60,000 trees of 27 species and more than 70 wildlife species thrive. These woodlands provide a home for European Protected Species and a diverse ecosystem. The land, farmed since 1543, includes 100 acres for unique barley cultivation. 

Its natural habitat also helps in the distillation process. From its green roofscape to the aesthetic design of the distillery. Since the end of 2021, The Macallan Estate has been operating on 97% verified renewable energy comprising electricity, biomass steam and gas. The running distillery uses heat from a closeby biomass generating plant– which uses recycled organic waste to create energy– and electricity from a private wire supply.

The Macallan is generally guided by sustainability. This is reflected in its Sustainability and Responsibility goals which focus on four pillars: protecting the environment, giving more, engaging great people and promoting responsible consumption. Under its environment protection pillar, the brand has four concentration areas which are to sustain wood, protect water, reduce carbon emissions, promote a circular economy, and conserve habitats. Given that the Scotch Whisky Association has mandated distilleries to reach a  Net Zero emissions by 2040,  following the impact of climate change, The Macallan is aiming to become a carbon-neutral business by 2030 for its distilleries, offices and travel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 70% compared to 2016 levels. It has also included the reduction of emissions relating to the grain whisky used in its blended whisky from North British Distillery.

As a whisky maker, water is a crucial ingredient in The Macallan’s product. To reduce water consumption at its production sites, especially in areas facing water scarcity, the brand has made significant strides. In Scotland, The Macallan maintains an ‘Excellent’ rating from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency compliance scheme for water abstraction and return. In the Dominican Republic, the brand is undertaking projects to replenish water consumption, including reforestation and supporting more efficient water use at production sites.

Another critical aspect of The Macallan’s sustainability mission is its commitment to achieving zero waste to landfill from its operations by 2025. The brand also advocates for sustainable wood sourcing by tracing oak supply to the region of origin in Europe by 2025 and in the US by 2030, while ensuring that all its production sites incorporate nature and biodiversity strategies. A typical example is its production site in the Dominican Republic where sugar cane is sourced from local sustainable partners.

With over two centuries of dedication to sustainability and a legacy of positive action, The Macallan has emerged as a trailblazer in the Whisky industry’s sustainable practices. From responsible ingredient sourcing to reducing its carbon footprint, The Macallan embodies the seamless fusion of exceptional spirits and eco-consciousness. As the world embraces sustainability, The Macallan serves as an indomitable inspiration to the Whisky industry and environmentally conscious consumers alike. With every sip, The Macallan celebrates a sustainable future, a legacy of positive action, and a toast to generations yet to come.