The Macallan 'The Reach' 81 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Just released, The Reach is an 81 year-old single Scotch malt whisky distilled in 1940 — the distillery says it’s their oldest release ever, and from what we can tell, it’s now the oldest by anyone.

The 288 available decanters of the liquid are housed in mouth-blown glass, cradled by three bronze hands created by Scottish sculptor Saskia Robinson. According to the Speyside distillery, each hand “represents those who played a part in this whisky and The Macallan’s legacy from 1940 to the modern day and beyond." That would include the distillery workers in 1940, former chairman Allan Shiach and current Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen Campbell, who selected the cask). A cabinet housing the decanter was crafted using wood from a fallen elm tree, which is thought to have been on The Macallan Estate in 1940.

As for the spirit itself: it was created from a single, sherry seasoned oak cask, and laid to rest in 1940 during World War II just before The Macallan (established in 1824) was compelled to close its doors for the first time in its history. It comes in at 41.6% ABV.

The Macallan 'The Reach' 81 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Tasting Notes

Nose: Complex and deep notes of dark chocolate, sweet cinnamon and aromatic peat.

Palate: Tastes of the nose with added notes of treacle toffee, crystallized ginger and charred pineapple.

Finish: A intensely rich, sweet and smoky finish.

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