Kirsteen Campbell , Master Whisky Maker , The Macallan , said : “ 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 . “ 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 .”
The Macallan has unveiled The Reach , an incomparable single malt whisky that reflects an extraordinary moment in time and exemplifies the enduring spirit that has been at the heart of the brand for almost 200 years .
Crafted during a period of increasing hardship , The Reach was laid to rest in 1940 before The Macallan was compelled to close its doors for the first time in its history .
Its very existence is testament to the care and commitment to uncompromised excellence that has driven The Macallan since it was founded in 1824 . It also pays tribute to those who strived amid great adversity to resume distilling The Macallan ’ s spirit , as well as the craftspeople today who continue to uphold the brand ’ s values .
A rare single malt at 81 Years Old , The Reach is the oldest whisky ever released by The Macallan , crafted from a single , sherry seasoned oak cask . The dark , precious whisky is encased in an exquisite decanter created from mouth-blown , hot glass , cradled on a bronze sculpture of three hands .
Each hand represents characters in The Macallan ’ s history and their unique story . One commemorates the Distillery workers of 1940 who crafted the spirit into existence , in challenging times , over eight decades ago . Another is the hand of one-time chairman , Allan Shiach , whose grandfather headed the company when this remarkable spirit was first consigned to its cask . The third is that of today ’ s Master Whisky Maker , Kirsteen Campbell , who carefully selected the 1940 cask used to create The Reach , deciding that now was the time to share this precious whisky with the world .
Reflecting its rarity and significance , The Reach is presented in unique packaging brought together by a collective of Scottish artisans . A tale of collaboration and connectivity , the result is a handcrafted quartet of liquid , glass , bronze and wood that is a fitting tribute to this very special whisky .
Sculptor Saskia Robinson created the timeless sculpture featuring three hands , producing countless drawings from every perspective before working in a physical medium . The veins , nails and skin detail are recorded in extraordinary accuracy , modelled on an artist ' s impression of a hand of one of those original stillmen . The sculpture is cast in bronze and the glimmer of the metal contrasts beautifully with the dark amber whisky .
The surface of the glass decanter 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 .
A film has been created by renowned London-based photographer Nadav Kander working closely with his art director , Matt Willey , who was previously the art director at The New York Times Magazine . Featuring original music composed and recorded by Scottish band Mogwai , recently shortlisted for the prestigious Mercury Prize , it tells the story of The Macallan ’ s legacy and the collaborative process behind The Reach .
Highly limited to only 288 decanters worldwide , The Reach will be on display at The Macallan Estate Boutique from 9th February 2022 and later in The Macallan domestic and travel retail Boutiques . The RSP is $ 125,000 / £ 92,000 / € 110,000 .
Whisky Maker ’ s Notes
Colour : Deep auburn ABV : 41.6 % Nose : Dark chocolate , sweet cinnamon , aromatic peat , plums , leather , pink grapefruit , redcurrant jelly and a rich resinous note . Palate : Treacle toffee , bramble jam , liquorice , crystalised ginger , nutmeg , charred pineapple , pecans , woodsmoke . Finish : Intensely rich , sweet and smoky .
PORTFOLIO MAGAZINE 39