On the cusp of the holiday season, The Macallan has unveiled A Night On Earth In Scotland single malt whisky, the first in a new limited edition gifting series.
A distinctly off-the-beaten-track collaboration has transpired between The Macallan and acclaimed Japanese-French illustrator Erica Dorn, who has previously created designs for some of the world’s leading luxury brands and whose artwork has featured in director Wes Anderson’s films.
Presented as part of innovative packaging to provide a unique unboxing experience, Dorn’s playful abstract illustrations are inspired by the historic fire rituals dominant in New Year celebrations around the world.
“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. Though the fire rituals may differ from culture to culture, fire is universal in its ability to unite us and bring us ‘home’. The colours 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,” says Dorn.
The limited edition whisky was crafted 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 since 1824.
This rich history lives on through contemporary design with illustrations that reveal 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. Other design elements focus on the flavours found within the single malt 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,” says Burgess. “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 flavours and aromas that urges our house through the festive season,” she explains.
Whiskey Maker’s Notes:
- Aroma: Vanilla, butter rich, baked apple, baking biscuits, plum and almond.
- Taste: Soft velvety sweetness reminiscent of shortbread with that rich mouth coating, vanilla sweetness, with lightly toasted marshmallow, dried oranges, fig and cinnamon.
- Finish: Medium finish with sweet butterscotch and freshly baked biscuits.
Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly.
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