Macallan honours first sunrise of the year
Edrington-owned The Macallan has revealed its fourth annual A Night on Earth whisky, which celebrates the first sunrise of the new year.
A Night on Earth in Scotland was the first creation in the series, inspired by the Scottish Hogmanay celebrations. This was followed in 2023 by the second release, A Night on Earth: The Journey, which paid tribute to the annual pilgrimage home to reunite with loved ones.
Last year, the series travelled to southern Spain with A Night on Earth in Jerez de la Frontera, a region deeply connected to The Macallan’s Sherry-seasoned oak casks and rich heritage.
Now, A Night on Earth: The First Light, has become the fourth release in the annual series, crafted to mark the arrival of sunrise in New Zealand on 1 January – one of the first countries in the world to welcome the dawn of the new year.
Russell Greig, whisky maker at The Macallan, said: “This edition of A Night on Earth is about light, its cultural symbolism and its sensory warmth.
“Inspired by traditions and rituals that have been handed down from generation to generation, this is a whisky designed to be gifted, shared, and enjoyed with friends and family.
“Unmistakably Scottish at its heart, this single malt acknowledges its Antipodean narrative with a finish that is sweet and fruity, with mellow spice and toasted oak.”
The Scotch has been created from a combination of Sherry-seasoned American and European oak casks, complemented by the sparing introduction of American oak casks that once held Bourbon.
The result is a whisky said to offer delicate sweetness, with berry compote and toasted marshmallows.
Meanwhile the nose reveals hints of native New Zealand Manuka honey.
A gentle spice and mellow oak finish are said to underscore the ‘contemplative joy’ of welcoming a new chapter.
It is recommended served in a refreshing long serve or paired with sweet and fruity desserts, such as pavlova.
Packaging illustrations
The Macallan has collaborated with local artists from around the world to bring each edition of the A Night on Earth series to life.
This year’s collaborator, New Zealand artist Bonnie Brown, has paid homage to the themes of hope and renewal with her design.
Her illustrations are reminiscent of coastal barbecues, beach bonfires and Pōhutukawa blossoms, and capture the essence of connection and celebration through colour, form and storytelling.
“When I created this artwork, it reminded me of my family’s New Year’s Day ritual – starting the day at the beach and taking a swim in the ocean,” said Brown. “It’s a fond memory and a key part of our annual tradition. Having spent many summers on the coast, the design reflects the enjoyment of being outdoors all day. It embodies the Kiwi way of life that I grew up with, like the weekends I spent exploring different parts of New Zealand with my mum and appreciating nature to the fullest.”
These artworks extend into three vignettes across the packaging – sunset, celebration, and first light – mirroring the arc of New Year’s Eve in the region.
The packaging invites audiences to embrace the renewal of the New Year and continue to celebrate The Macallan’s spirit of craftsmanship and creativity.
A Night on Earth: The First Light will be available online from November at themacallan.com as well as via select retailers including Berry Bros & Rudd, Selfridges, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop, and Master of Malt for an RRP of £99 (US$129).
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