New whisky from The Macallan draws inspiration from Hogmanay
THE Scottish tradition of Hogmanay is at the heart of a new release from The Macallan.
The limited edition whisky, named A Night On Earth In Scotland, was a collaboration between the Edrington-owned distillery and illustrator Erica Dorn.
The liquid was created by whisky maker Sarah Burgess and inspired by her own memories of Hogmanay.
The 40% ABV whisky is described as having notes of vanilla, baked apple, baking biscuits, plum and almond on the nose and a “soft, velvety sweetness reminiscent of shortbread” on the palate. It was drawn from a selection of sherry-seasoned American and European casks as well as American ex-bourbon barrels.
Burgess said creating the whisky “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”.
“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 filled our house through the festive season,” she said.
“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.”
The packaging, designed by Dorn, features abstract illustrations inspired by the fire celebrations that take place around the world at new year.
“Around its warmth we gather our families, friends, and loved ones to share past memories and future hopes,” said Dorn.
“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’.
“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.”
