Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest The Macallan has just unveiled A Night on Earth in Scotland single malt whisky, perfectly timed for the holidays. Inspired by Hogmanay (hog·muh·nei), Scotland’s New Year’s Eve celebration, this special bottle captures the universal joy of welcoming the coming year. The first in a series of annual releases from The Macallan, A Night on Earth in Scotland is a collaboration with acclaimed Japanese-French illustrator Erica Dorn, who has created designs for some of the world’s leading luxury brands and whose artwork has been featured in director Wes Anderson’s films. Erica’s playful abstract illustrations on the innovative multi-layered packaging design provide a unique unboxing experience to whisky lovers. Her vibrant and playful designs also reveal some of the distinctive customs of Scotland’s Hogmanay, including the act of ‘first footing’ when it is considered good luck for a dark-haired visitor who is bearing symbolic gifts of whisky, coal, and Scottish shortbread, to be the first person to cross the threshold of your home after the stroke of midnight. Each gift is designed to bring comfort and happiness to your home for the rest of the year. The packaging’s color palette also expresses the Hogmanay story. The red exterior is inspired by fire elements prevalent in New Year celebrations across the globe. A blue interior is revealed upon opening the box, and this represents the night skies of Hogmanay and the blue from the national flag of Scotland, the Saltire. As the presentation box is opened, the bottle is surrounded by rich amber colors, which represents the Scottish shortbread. “Fire plays a significant role in New Year celebrations around the world,” Erica says. “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 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.” Created by The Macallan’s lead whisky maker Sarah Burgess, whose memories of Hogmanay were a key influence in crafting this rich and 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,” shares Sarah 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 flavors and aromas that filled our house through the festive season,” she continues. “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 limited edition single malt features whiskies aged in American and European oak sherry seasoned casks, as well as American ex-bourbon barrels, that are blended together to deliver its rich, sweet shortbread-like character. Bottled at 40% ABV, A Night on Earth in Scotland has notes of vanilla, butter, baked apple, biscuits, plum, and almond on the nose. On the palate, it has a soft velvety sweetness reminiscent of shortbread, vanilla, with lightly toasted marshmallow, dried oranges, fig, and cinnamon. With a soft, velvety mouthfeel, and a medium finish with sweet butterscotch and freshly baked biscuits, this is a perfect gift for the holidays. A Night On Earth In Scotland reflects the joyous celebration of welcoming the coming year, and showcases the skill of the whisky maker, and The Macallan’s commitment to craftsmanship and uncompromised excellence since 1824. The Macallan A Night On Earth In Scotland is available at Grand Cru Wines and Spirits, Future Trade International Inc., Solid Wines and Spirits, Forth and Tay, Prestige Wines, and Thirst.Ph. For further information, visit www.themacallan.com.