The Macallan release 81-year-old whisky crafted in WWII

The Reach is The Macallan’s oldest single malt whisky release to date, capturing an extraordinary moment in history for the distillery, and the world, as it dates back to WWII.

Crafted during the early part of the Second World War, The Reach was laid to rest in a single, sherry seasoned oak cask when The Macallan was forced to close its doors for the first time since its inception in 1824.

Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker at The Macallan, said the release pays tribute to the people, past and present, who have worked together to make this release possible.

“It is an honour to introduce The Reach. Created during a turbulent time in the world, this extraordinary expression showcases The Macallan’s history, ingenuity and unmistakable strength of character.

“The creation of many hands, The Reach has been a truly collaborative effort. It’s also a tribute to the people who made this precious whisky and their enduring spirit, which never wavered,” she said.

Reflecting its rarity and significance, The Reach is presented in one-of-a-kind packaging created by Scottish artisans. The presentation represents the many ‘hands’ that have worked together over the decades, culminating in this special release.

Scottish Sculptor Saskia Robinson has created a sculpture of three hands that cradle the glass decanter, which features subtle indentations that match the fingerprints of the bronze hands which support it, while a beautiful cabinet crafted using wood from a fallen elm tree, which is thought to have been on The Macallan Estate in 1940, houses the decanter.

The three groups signified by the hands are the distillery workers who crafted the spirit during wartime, former Chairman Allan Shiach, whose grandfather headed the company when The Reach was first consigned to its cask, and The Macallan’s current Master Whisky Maker, Kirsteen Campbell, who deciding that now was the time to share this precious whisky with the world.

London-based photographer Nadav Kander and art director Matt Willey also created a film featuring original music composed and recorded by Scottish band Mogwai to accompany the release. It tells the story of The Macallan’s legacy and the collaborative process behind The Reach.

“Its deep auburn hue is the first hint of this remarkable whisky’s astonishing depth. Offering notes of dark chocolate, sweet cinnamon and aromatic peat, leading on to treacle toffee, crystalised ginger and charred pineapple, before giving way to an intensely rich, sweet and smoky finish,” said Campbell.

Stay up-to-date with the latest industry news with the Drinks Trade e-newsletter.