The Macallan has unveiled Litha, a single malt Scotch whisky exclusively matured in first fill sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. The new bottling represents the coming together of two worlds, Scotland and Spain, says the brand.
The story of The Macallan Litha begins in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, where the brand’s sherry seasoned oak casks are crafted to thier exacting specification. The sherry casks’ journeys begin in the vineyards of Jerez de la Frontera where the Andalucian sun grows the grapes that go on to become the sherry that seasons the casks. They continue their journey to The Macallan Estate in Scotland, where they are filled with The Macallan new make spirit.
The whisky derives its name from the solstice, known by the ancient Celts as Litha. “The solstice is a tipping point,” says the brand. “When two forces meet for the first time, it sparks a shift in the balance of nature. It is a powerful instant, an eternal first encounter that changes everything. It makes the days longer, bringing new light, new life, and it has been celebrated since antiquity by countless cultures across the world.”
A deep gold in color, the nose offers aromas of butterscotch, vanilla, and chocolate with citrus and tropical fruits. The palate features vanilla ice cream topped with a berry compote, toasted oak, warming wood spice with salted caramel and pecans. The medium finish finds fruits, vanilla, and oak
Litha is encased in a vibrant presentation box, featuring a colourful illustration by award-winning US-based Chinese illustrator Sija Hong. This artwork represents a pure moment of creation from the first meeting of two forces.
The artwork represents the coming together of Scotland and Spain. Presenting two bold colour palettes, selected by Sija Hong with a particular journey in mind, Scotland is depicted on the right-hand side in the blue pantones, while Spain is represented on the left-hand side in the red pantones.
The tree is a central element representing the coming together of these two worlds through maturation in first fill sherry seasoned oak casks – a pure moment of creation resulting in The Macallan Litha.
Bottled at 40% ABV, the Macallan Litha is available from August 2023 initially in China, and with all The Macallan expressions, as a dram at The Macallan Bar on The Macallan Estate. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
In April, Macallan unveiled the latest addition to its Folio Series, The Story Of The Boffins Baffled. The series celebrates the classic advertising campaigns of the brand.