If you’re looking for a whisky to celebrate New Year’s with, Macallan has got you covered. For a few years now they’ve been releasing an elaborately packaged series especially for Hogmanay, the latest being Macallan A Night On Earth In Jerez. This is my review.

Macallan commemorated its 200th anniversary in 2024 with a multitude of celebrations, such as the much publicised Time : Space Collection, which included the oldest whisky in the world. (That it was sourced from Gordon & MacPhail stock is an open secret by now.) The Macallan A Night On Earth In Jerez marks the conclusion to the brand’s 200th anniversary celebrations.

macallan a night on earth in jerez de la frontera stylized

After A Night On Earth In Scotland and A Night On Earth The Journey, this is the third release in the series. Well, sort of. I believe there was a second batch of the Scotland edition. As with the previous ones, the “unboxing experience” (*sigh*) is once again highlighted in the press release for the Macallan A Night On Earth In Jerez.

But unlike previously, this latest edition of the A Night On Earth series actually has a noticeably different cask make-up. Not just the “sherry seasoned European and American oak casks together with American ex-bourbon barrels”, which seems to be standard for so many Macallan releases. No, the Macallan A Night On Earth In Jerez matured in a “combination of European and American sherry seasoned oak casks.”

Then again, it would’ve been bold to name a whisky after Jerez de la Frontera and not have it mature fully in ex-sherry casks.

macallan a night on earth in jerez de la frontera bottle

Macallan A Night On Earth In Jerez (43%, OB, 2024)

Nose: The sherry influence seems more noticeable. Slightly astringent. There’s a tinge of copper alongside slivers of cocoa powder, some ginger, a touch of coffee and sponge cake. Then fresher aromas of orange zest and some light floral hints. More vanilla notes creep up as well.
Taste: Mouthfeel is decent. Almost sort of creamy. Quite some active oak. Hints of ginger, allspice and sandalwood, but also caramel, a touch of sultanas and fudge.
Finish: Short to medium. Lingering oak spices and caramel. A touch of char, cloves and fennel too.

Conclusion

This presents as a young, sherried whisky matured in fairly active oak. The Macallan A Night On Earth In Jerez is well-made, but not very inspired. If I had something to celebrate, such as New Year's, I could think of (much) better options for a friendlier price.