The Macallan presented The Reach, a unique single malt whisky at Art Basel Hong Kong, introducing fans, artists and art lovers to one of their rarest malts.
Crafted during the Second World War, The Reach was laid to rest in the year 1940, before The Macallan was compelled to close its doors for the first time in its rich history. After the war, those doors opened once again – and from deep within their archives, a rare single malt, now 81 Years old, The Reach was kept hidden away. Or as Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker at The Macallan, says, ”This whisky has laid slumbering for over eight decades and I’m delighted that now is the time to share with the world.”
The oldest whisky ever released by The Macallan, crafted from a single, sherry seasoned oak cask, is now finally here in Hong Kong. The dark, precious whisky is encased in an exquisite decanter created in Scotland, from mouth-blown, hot glass, cradled on a bronze sculpture of three hands.
Each hand represents characters in The Macallan’s history and unique story; one commemorates the distillery workers of 1940, who crafted the spirit into existence. 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, 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.
“It is an honour to introduce The Reach,” says Campbell, as she dives into its rich history. “Created during a turbulent time in the world, this extraordinary expression showcases The Macallan’s history, ingenuity and unmistakable strength of character.”
The limited edition has reached rarefied circles of avid collectors and fans – only 288 bottles exist in the world. “Its deep auburn hue is the first hint of this remarkable whisky’s astonishing depth,” reveals Campbell. “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.”
Reflecting its rarity and significance, The Reach is presented in unique packaging brought together by a collective of Scottish artisans. Sculptor Saskia Robinson created the timeless sculpture featuring three hands. 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. An exquisite artifact, no wonder the makers opted to showcase the sculpture cast in bronze at Art Basel.
Limited to only 288 decanters worldwide, The Reach will be on display at The Macallan Exhibition Popup Lounge at Art Basel Hong Kong.
For more information visit TheMacallan.com
All images courtesy of The Macallan
