It's that time of year again! And that means a new festive whisky from The Macallan’s annual A Night on Earth series. We're taking a sip from A Night on Earth in Jerez de la Frontera, the third instalment of the series. And let me just say that the packaging makes for a contender for the most coveted gift under the tree.

Macallan certainly knows how to make a release look the part for A Night on Earth. They've consistently partnered with artists to create these stunning illustrated packaging. The release is specially made for those seeking an accessible luxury gift option – great packaging while the quality of the whisky holds its own even when compared with the most common Macallan expressions out there.

This year's edition draws inspiration from sunny Jerez, the Spanish heartland of Sherry production. It's where the brand sources its Sherry casks, which play a crucial role in shaping the distillery's signature character. The expression is matured in a combination of European and American oak casks, all Sherry seasoned.

The Macallan has collaborated with Jerez-born artist María Melero for this release. 

There's also a detail of roses, which is a nod to an interesting centuries-old tradition among Sherry winemakers.

Historically, Sherry winegrowers grow roses as an early warning system, much like a "canary in a coal mine” for the health of their vines. Roses were planted at the ends of vineyard rows because they are more susceptible to diseases that can affect grapevines. Winegrowers would observe the condition of the roses. If the roses begin wilting, one could anticipate potential problems in the soil or vineyards before they impacted the grapes. This edition is currently available from The Macallan House Singapore.

Now, let's dive into tasting it.

The Macallan, A Night On Earth in Jerez (2024 Ed) Single Malt, 43% ABV – Review

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Amber.

Nose: This is rich and festive, very sweet with lots of caramelised and dried fruit notes. Opens with a rich, luscious note of caramelized sweetness accompanied by dried fruits. Pasteurized honey with sweet dates and prunes soaked in brandy. I’m also getting some coffee rum n’ raisin ice cream, caramel fudge and soft cocoa notes that remind me of iced Milo. Sweet aromatic oakiness, some cedar wood, while a touch of feinty spiciness emerges with minty geranium, expressed orange rinds, cloves and indistinct baking spices.

Palate: Bold and expressive, with a richer and more viscous texture than usual. Opens with much of the same as the nose; honeyed sweetness takes center stage accompanied by a dried fruit galore, raisins and brandy-soaked fruitcake. Vanilla leads us down the road to a lightly resinous woodiness while baking spices gradually become more pronounced, more warming and robust as they culminate with depths of café mocha along with a dry toasted oak finish.

Finish: Short with lingering honey, milk chocolate and more dry toasted oak notes. Leaves a lightly drying sensation on the tongue.

My Thoughts

A very flavourful, expressive and very quintessentially “Macallan” expression with a touch of festive spice. The nose is exceptionally sweet and festive, giving us that classic sweet oak and Sherried Macallan character in a much more pronounced intensity. Palate is rich with brandy-soaked fruit cake and bold European oak depths.

Overall, it is impressive how it holds and maintains that sweet chocolatey mocha note in the palate throughout from start to finish. This is very good value for those who enjoy a richer, more robust Sherry and European oak-led Macallan that remains very balanced, approachable and easy to drink.

@CharsiuCharlie