When spirits reach the halcyon heights of those at the Macallan, they often need little to no introduction. But The Reach from the Macallan is a special whiskey, indeed, and, as such, needs more than an introduction, it requires our acclamation. A master blend finely crafted to honor the heritage of the Macallan as well as celebrate it with an 81-year-old masterwork from their Speyside distillery. Hailing from a process starting in 1940, The Reach does not shy away from the fanfare from luxury lifestyle blogs associated with such a monumental occasion at The Macallan. Given its age, this special whiskey is expected to fetch huge sums in the aftermarket for spirits which is not only robust but is growing, year over year.
Of course, such a special event can’t go without its own unique calling card in terms of presentation and towards this end, Macallan has crafted an amazing carrying case for The Reach from the Macallan that conveys this sentiment. Presented in a wooden box that opens up to reveal two hands holding The Reach as if towards the heavens, the aesthetic is traditional but also eye-catching enough to merit comment. After all, most people will be here for The Reach itself, not the box, but the latter shows just how much attention to detail The Macallan has paid in bringing this special whiskey to market.
The artistic representation of the hands holding The Reach also speaks to how the company views it – as well as how inaccessible it is likely to be for the general public. The Hands recall motifs that hearken to mythology, presenting The Reach as a kind of nectar of the gods to accompany their evening ambrosia. Naturally, the spirit itself is equal to the task laid before it and the depth of its flavor and complexity of its notes has those who experienced it so far singing its paeans. Envisioned by sculptor and artist Saskia Robinson, the three bronze hands of the sculpture within the box pay tribute to former company chairman Allan Shiach and Master Whiskey Maker Kirsteen Campbell.
As for the whiskey itself, it is a deep amber, gold color that reflects the light in alternative flicks of bronze, copper, and gold, each hinting at the complex layered taste of the liquid within. Flavor notes come from a variety of sources in what can only be described as an experience for the senses. Experts note that The Reach gives off aromas of red currant, leather, chocolate, cinnamon, plums, and even grapefruit while, as far as taste goes, the delicate spirit dazzles the tongue with licorice, bramble, ginger, pineapple, pecans, nutmeg, and even smoke itself. Complex yet distinct, traditional, and inviting, The Reach from the Macallan doesn’t break any rules while it sets the standard for vintages of its type. Expected to fetch at least $125,000 per bottle, the aftermarket for the spirit might be even higher than that with some experts pointing out that, trend wise, prices only seem to be going up in this area.
Images courtesy of The Macallan
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