FORBES: One of the most prestigious names in single malt whisky, The Macallan marked a milestone today with the release of its oldest expression to date. The Reach is a rare, 81-year-old single malt whisky, created from a single, sherry seasoned oak cask and crafted during WWII.

“It’s hard to put into words how truly special this whisky is,” Kirsteen Campbell, master whisky maker at The Macallan shared with Forbes. “The expression encapsulates the spirit of The Macallan and the timeless nature of our mastery and craftsmanship.”

Founded in 1824, The Macallan distillery in Speyside was forced into temporary closure during the Second World War. It was two years before this that the cask, which would later be chosen for The Reach, was laid to rest in 1940. Campbell, therefore, referred to the release as more than just a monument as The Macallan’s oldest expression, but also “a tribute to the people who made this precious whisky, and their enduring spirit which never wavered” as well as The Macallan’s “ingenuity and unmistakable strength of character.” 

As Campbell referenced, The Reach emphasizes the heritage beyond that of The Macallan, to incorporate a dedication to its birthplace. The decanter and packaging were created in a collaborative effort by Scottish artisans, including Sculptor Saskia Robinson, who is behind the bronzed-hand cradle, as well as Scottish band Mogwai, who composed and recorded music for the original film released with The Reach, created by Nadav Kander and Matt Willey. This collaborative effort, the brand hopes, will depict how The Reach signifies more than a milestone, but rather The Macallan’s legacy. 

Read the original article here.