The Macallan A Night On Earth In Scotland 2021 First Edition

The inaugural edition of Macallan’s Hogmanay celebration, uniquely crafted with American ex-Bourbon casks for a light, shortbread-like character.

At-a-Glance

Historical Context

The Macallan A Night On Earth In Scotland was launched in 2021 as the first bottling in a new annual seasonal gifting series, designed to capture the joyous atmosphere of New Year's Eve celebrations, particularly Scotland’s Hogmanay ritual. The whisky’s profile was crafted by Whisky Maker Sarah Burgess, drawing inspiration from her own memories of Hogmanay.

The most distinctive feature of this release is its innovative cask recipe, which departs significantly from Macallan’s heavily sherry-driven reputation. This bottling combines European and American Sherry seasoned oak casks with a high proportion of American ex-Bourbon barrels. This choice was made to impart vanilla notes, directly referencing the shortbread traditionally carried by the 'first footer' (the first person to cross a threshold after midnight on New Year's Day) in the Scottish ritual, symbolising good fortune. The resulting liquid, therefore, achieves a rich, sweet, shortbread-like character with vanilla sweetness and spice.

The unique presentation carton, designed in collaboration with Japanese-French illustrator Erica Dorn, features abstract illustrations inspired by Hogmanay's fire rituals, providing a multi-layered unboxing experience. The bottle’s significance is its status as the First Edition of what is now an ongoing annual collectible series.

Technical Specification & Variant Map

This is an NAS Single Malt bottled at 40% ABV. The cask composition is a blend of European Oak Sherry, American Oak Sherry, and American ex-Bourbon barrels. This unusual incorporation of Bourbon barrels is key to achieving the desired light vanilla and shortbread flavour profile.

Documented variants

The product exists solely as the First Edition 2021 release at 40% ABV. Subsequent releases (Edition 2, etc.) are treated as distinct limited bottlings with different cask philosophies and artists.

Variant Matrix

Packaging & authenticity checklist

The primary collector value lies in the multi-layered packaging, the specific illustration by Erica Dorn, and the designation as the 2021 Release (First Edition). Since the Macallan typically does not explicitly state NCF on 40% ABV releases, the authentication is based heavily on the external presentation. Buyers must ensure the integrity of the carton, as its aesthetic complexity drives a significant portion of the secondary market price.

Regulatory/terminology notes

Bottling at 40% ABV is the legal minimum for Scotch Whisky. Macallan states that the whisky is Natural Colour. The lower strength suggests that, despite the brand's luxury positioning, the liquid has undergone chill-filtration for stability and clarity, an expected procedure at this ABV.

Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)

The profile is engineered to be rich yet sweet and velvety, evoking the celebratory tradition of Scottish shortbread and dried fruit.

Nose: Vanilla, rich butter, baked apple, and baking biscuits, complemented by plum and almond notes.

Palate: Soft, velvety sweetness reminiscent of shortbread, with a rich mouth coating. Flavours include vanilla sweetness, lightly toasted marshmallow, dried oranges, fig, and cinnamon.

Finish: Medium duration, concluding with sweet butterscotch and freshly baked biscuits.

With water: Not explicitly documented. Given the 40% ABV, water is not necessary for consumption.

Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)

The market performance shows a standard premium for the first release of a new Macallan limited series.

Original RRP (GBP): £159.99.

Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): £119.95 – £199.95. Specialist retailers often list the First Edition at a premium due to limited stock, though price points vary.

Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): £65.00 – £75.00. Auction results show a tight range, reflecting a high volume, non-aged limited release.

Pricing stratification: A clear price floor exists at auction (c. £65–£75). This value is stable but significantly lower than the typical Macallan collector's item, primarily due to the 40% ABV and NAS status. The collector premium is paid only when the bottle is in pristine, original condition, complete with the unique Erica Dorn packaging.

Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is high, but margin potential is restricted to the difference between the low auction floor and the mid-range retail price.

Price Snapshot