The Macallan has unveiled A Night On Earth In Scotland single malt whisky. The new Scotch reveals the story of Scotland’s world-famous Hogmanay festivities and captures the universal joy of celebrating the change of year.
The first in a new limited edition gifting series, A Night On Earth In Scotland is a collaboration with acclaimed Japanese-French illustrator Erica Dorn. Previously, she created designs for some of the world’s leading luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, and her artwork has been featured in various Wes Anderson’s films, including Isle of Dogs and The French Dispatch, which hits theaters later this month.
Presented as part of innovative multi-layered packaging that provides an exceptional unboxing experience, Erica Dorn’s playful abstract illustrations are inspired by the historic fire rituals dominant in New Year celebrations around the world.
The artwork on the packaging also reveals some of the distinctive customs of Scotland’s Hogmanay, including the tradition of first footing, when it is good luck for a dark-haired visitor to be the first person to enter your home after midnight, bearing symbolic gifts – whisky, coal and Scottish shortbread – that aim to bring comfort and happiness in the year ahead.
“Fire plays a significant role in New Year celebrations around the world. Around its warmth we gather our families, friends, and loved ones to share past memories and future hopes. Through its purifying qualities we release the past to clear the way for the future. In its dancing light we find solace from cold winter nights, as we have done since the dawn of time. Though the fire rituals may differ from culture to culture, fire is universal in its ability to unite us and bring us ‘home’,” said Erica Dorn. “The colors for this presentation box were selected with a particular journey in mind: first, red for merriment, vitality, good fortune and joy; blue to remind us of a winter evening in Scotland, in all its peace and stillness; and finally, amber – in tribute to the sweet aroma of soft butter and freshly baked shortbread, which were an inspiration for Sarah Burgess in the creation of this whisky.”
Other design elements focus on the flavors found within the remarkable whisky crafted by The Macallan Lead Whisky Maker, Sarah Burgess, who drew on fond family memories of Hogmanay to create a rich, evocative expression.
“Crafting A Night On Earth In Scotland has been an extremely personal experience for me, which took me back to growing up in our family home in Speyside, just across the river from The Macallan Estate,” said Sarah Burgess, The Macallan Lead Whisky Maker. “The whisky’s vanilla sweetness references the rich Scottish shortbread traditionally gifted and eaten at Hogmanay, while notes of dried orange and spice recall the flavors and aromas that filled our house through the festive season. Encapsulating the hopes and dreams of Hogmanay celebrations past, present and future, it also conveys the unwavering human desire to spend special times with loved ones.”
This very special single malt was created from a selection of The Macallan’s sherry seasoned American and European oak casks, along with American ex-bourbon barrels to deliver its rich, sweet shortbread-like character. With a soft, velvety mouthfeel, it showcases the skill of the whisky maker, and The Macallan’s commitment to craftsmanship and uncompromised excellence.
On the nose, the whisky offers aromas of vanilla, butter, baked apple, baking biscuits, plum, and almond. The palate features soft velvety sweetness reminiscent of shortbread with that rich mouth coating, vanilla sweetness, with lightly toasted marshmallow, dried oranges, fig, and cinnamon. The medium finish delivers sweet butterscotch and freshly baked biscuits.
Bottled at 40% ABV, The Macallan A Night On Earth In Scotland will be available globally starting in October 2021 for $90 per bottle.
For more information, visit The Macallan’s official website.
Last month, The Macallan unveiled Double Cask 30 Years Old, the latest addition to its iconic Double Cask range. The single malt whisky exhibits a rich depth of flavor and a complex character that tells the story of a journey which brings together two different worlds.
