The Macallan has revealed The First Light, the fourth addition to its A Night On Earth line. 

The new expression celebrates the first sunrise of the new year. More specifically, it is set 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.

The Scotch was created using a combination of Sherry-seasoned American and European oak casks, with the addition of a small amount of ex-Bourbon American oak casks said to provide added complexity.

The distillery has said the expression offers delicate sweetness, with notes of berry compote and toasted marshmallows. The nose should reveal hints of native New Zealand Manuka honey.

The finish offers gentle spice and mellow oak, meant to represent the 'contemplative joy' of a new chapter. It is best enjoyed as a refreshing long serve or paired with sweet and fruity desserts, like pavlova.

As with each year's packaging, The Macallan has once again partnered with an artist, with The First Light's collaborator announced as New Zealand artist Bonnie Brown, who paid homage to the themes of hope and renewal with her design.

Her illustrations evoke coastal barbecues, beach bonfires, and Pōhutukawa blossoms. They are intended to capture the spirit of connection and celebration through colour, form, and narrative.

The packaging features three separate vignettes—sunset, celebration, and first light—which utilize the artworks to mirror the chronological arc of New Year’s Eve in the region.

A Night on Earth in Scotland was the first creation in the series, inspired by the Scottish Hogmanay celebrations. The most recent remains the A Night on Earth in Jerez de la Frontera, released last year.

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 with an MSRP of US$129.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team