A Night on Earth in Scotland is the first Macallan release in an annual series that started off in 2021. It celebrates Hogmanay, Scotland’s New Year’s Eve. No surprise then that it contains whisky aged in American and European oak sherry seasoned casks, as well as the common ex-bourbon barrels.
It wasn’t overly expensive (£ 75), but it’s clear that more effort was put into creating a beautiful packaging than into an age statement or other significant features. This is a gift-targeted series and The Macallan is quite open about the positioning.
The Macallan ‘A Night on Earth in Scotland’ (40%, OB 2021)
Nose: very malty and bready, with toffee and caramel in abundant amounts. Also baked apples and stewed pears, buttery vanilla and almonds. Shortbread. A very light fragrant touch of oak. A tad uninspired and youngish.
Mouth: worse still. Really bland and grainy, with lots of breakfast cereals, wholegrain bread and vanilla. Also hints of oak shavings that make it seem young and bring along a bitterness that reminds me of much cheaper blends. Bitter orange peels and nutmeg. Even some saccharin and hints of grappa.
Finish: not too long, on oranges and ginger with a slightly astringent edge.
Okay, this doesn’t work. The nose was okay but once I sipped it went from uninspired to slightly flawed. There’s no point in gifting whisky that looks fancy but taste like a supermarket Scotch. If you consider buying this, then I suggest you try a sample first.