Macallan 1940 The Reach 81 Year Old When released in February 2022, this eye-catching edition from the famous Speysider became the distillery's oldest official age-statement. Titled The Reach, the whisky was distilled in 1940, during the early days of the second world war, and has seen a lengthy maturation period of 81 years in a single sherry-seasoned cask. As you would expect, the presentation showcases the highest quality of Scottish craftsmanship. The mouth-blown glass decanter is displayed on a weighty plinth, which was created by Scottish sculptor Saskia Robinson. This artwork features three bronze hands, which are a tribute to the three people who helped to create the whisky. These include Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen Campbell; Allan Shiach, who is the grandson of Dr. Allan Shiach, who ran the distillery in 1940; and the distillery workers of the 1940s themselves. The decanter and sculpture are housed in a well-crafted cabinet made with wood from a fallen elm tree. This tree is thought to have been on the Macallan Estate in 1940. A beautifully presented book that details the release is also included. This is one of 288 decanters, which also includes a professional flight case. It may be hard to imagine today, but for much of the 20th century, Macallan was primarily a constituent malt in blends. It was not until the 1980s downturn in the market that the distillery decided to focus on its single malt brand. Fortuitously, this coincided with the crest of a wave of enthusiasm for the high quality releases that the distillery had licensed to Campbell, Hope & King and Gordon & MacPhail in the 1960s and 1970s. These remain some of the most collectible on the market. While global single malt sales volume is still lead by Speyside neighbours, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, Macallan is easily the most sought after. So much so in fact, that they had to open a brand new distillery in 2018, a subterranean architectural masterpiece within the Easter Elchies estate, boasting 36 copper pot stills.