It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.

Released in late 2021, A Night on Earth is the first in a limited edition gifting series from the Speyside giant. The bottle celebrates Scotland’s world-famous Hogmanay festivities which are held annually on 31st December. The whisky itself has been aged in a combination of American ex-Bourbon and European sherry seasoned casks.

The packaging features artwork from acclaimed Japanese-French illustrator Erica Dorn who has created designs for some of the world’s leading luxury brands. Dorn has also created graphics for American filmmaker Wes Anderson on projects such as Isle of Dogs and The French Dispatch.