The Macallan Presents A Night on Earth: The First Light

The Macallan Presents A Night on Earth: The First Light, a Celebration of the First Sunrise of the New Year

The fourth release in the annual A Night on Earth series captures the spirit of celebration and new beginnings for holiday gifting and festivities

The Macallan is ushering in the holiday season with the launch of A Night on Earth: The First Light, celebrating the arrival of the first light of the new year in New Zealand, one of the most easterly countries in the world.

The limited edition single malt Scotch whisky is the fourth release in the annual A Night on Earth series that honors New Year traditions across the globe. This release draws inspiration from one of the first sunrises of the year, blending the warmth of togetherness with the spirit of new beginnings. Crafted to commemorate special moments, this single malt whisky embodies the richness of festive spirit that defines life’s most memorable occasions, making it the perfect gift for the holiday season.

Created from a combination of sherry seasoned American and European oak casks carefully selected by The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team and complemented by the sparing introduction of American oak casks that once held bourbon, the whisky offers a delicate sweetness. Its flavor profile is vibrant with berry compote and toasted marshmallows, while the nose reveals hints of Manuka honey. A gentle spice and mellow oak finish underscore the contemplative joy of welcoming a new chapter.

Russell Greig, Whisky Maker, The Macallan, said: "This edition of A Night on Earth is about light - its cultural symbolism and its sensory warmth. Inspired by traditions and rituals that have been handed down from generation to generation, this is a whisky designed to be gifted, shared, and enjoyed with friends and family. Unmistakably Scottish at its heart, this single malt acknowledges its Antipodean narrative with a finish that is sweet and fruity, with mellow spice and toasted oak.”

To create a truly unique and meaningful gifting experience The Macallan collaborates with local artists from around the world to bring to life each edition of the series. For A Night on Earth: The First Light, The Macallan has collaborated with Bonnie Brown, an artist and illustrator living in Wellington, New Zealand, to craft a unique gift box representing her memories of home on New Year’s Eve. In New Zealand, people traditionally welcome the new year on the beach, celebrating with festivities, parties, and fireworks. The sunrise symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter and is embraced as a time for joy, personal reflection, and fresh starts. Her evocative illustrations capture the essence of connection and celebration through color, form and storytelling, inviting consumers to embrace the renewal of the New Year.

Bonnie Brown, Illustrator, said: “When I created this artwork, it reminded me of my family's New Year's Day ritual – starting the day at the beach and taking a swim in the ocean. It’s a fond memory and a key part of our annual tradition. Having spent many summers on the coast, the design reflects the enjoyment of being outdoors all day. It embodies the Kiwi way of life that I grew up with, like the weekends I spent exploring different parts of New Zealand with my mum and appreciating nature to the fullest.”

Crafted with meticulous care, this release embodies The Macallan's unrivaled craftsmanship. While many brands outsource parts of their production, The Macallan controls every step in the whisky making process – from cask to creation – something no one else can claim. It’s this dedication that ensures every drop meets the highest standards of excellence. Each cask for A Night on Earth, The First Light was nosed for quality by The Whisky Mastery Team, with an average of 636 sensory checks before bottling to guarantee its incomparable quality that defines The Macallan.

The Macallan’s A Night on Earth: The First Light was made available globally via select retailers and online at www.themacallan.com on November 4, 2025 for an SRP of $124. For further information on purchasing limited editions expressions, please contact Client Services at ClientServices@TheMacallan.com.


Norrie Newsdesk

Norrie, our vaguely vigilant news desk fella, scans the horizon for whisky news. He rarely writes anything, but he’s a dab hand with Copy & Paste.

To be clear: unless it states otherwise - unlike our reviews and features - this is NOT Dramface content.

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