A New Dawn

With this limited-edition release, The Macallan captures the joy of the first rays of sunlight on New Year's Day in New Zealand in a warm, welcoming spirit.

- SAMANTHA FRANCIS

New Year's Eve in the Southern Hemisphere is a little different. Instead of winter frost and ski chalets, there are beach bonfires and barbecues. This warm, outdoor rhythm sets the tone for The Macallan's latest addition to its A Night on Earth (ANOE): The First Light series, now available in Singapore.

This is the fourth edition in the distillery's ANOE line, an annual release inspired by New Year traditions around the world. For 2025, the spotlight shifts to New Zealand, one of the first countries to greet the sun each year. This first light symbolises renewal and serves as the foundation for a whisky shaped not just by heritage, but also inspired by change.

“This edition of ANOE is about light, its cultural symbolism and its sensory warmth,” says Russell Greig, Whisky Maker at The Macallan. “Inspired by traditions and rituals handed down from generation to generation, this whisky is designed to be gifted, shared, and enjoyed with friends and family.

As always, Speyside distilling makes The First Light unmistakably Macallan, and this one introduces a brighter, more playful side. Its lighter and fruitier profile is shaped by a careful selection of oak casks.