Macallan debuts world’s oldest single malt Scotch

The Macallan has released an 81-year-old whisky, taking the title of the world’s oldest single malt Scotch.

The Edrington-owned whisky brand has unveiled The Reach, a single malt that was laid to rest in 1940 during the Second World War.

The bottling has broken the record for the world’s oldest single malt Scotch, previously set by an 80-year-old Gordon & MacPhail expression released last September.

The Macallan’s rare whisky is made from a single Sherry-seasoned oak cask and comes in a decanter supported by a bronze sculpture of three hands.

Each hand represents people from the brand’s history, including the distillery workers of 1940 who were behind the spirit; chairman Allan Shiach; and current master whisky maker Kirsteen Campbell, who selected the 1940 cask for The Reach.

Campbell said: “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, crystallised ginger and charred pineapple, before giving way to an intensely rich, sweet and smoky finish.”

The 41.6% ABV expression is limited to 288 decanters globally, priced at RRP US$125,000/£92,000/€110,000.

The Reach will be on display at The Macallan Estate Boutique from 9 February 2022, followed by the brand’s Boutique stores in domestic and travel retail locations.

In October last year, The Macallan premiered a chocolate-inspired whisky as part of a new series of single malts.