The Macallan The Reach 81 Year Old 41.6 abv 1940 (1 BT70)

THE MACALLAN THE REACH 81 YEAR OLD 41.6 ABV 1940 (1 BT70)

Distilled in 1940, bottle #81 of 288, level: 5cm below cork, with original information book, display bronze sculpture, display wooden box with sliding doors and transit suitcase, metal frame of display box has small spots of oxidation, 41.6 abv

1 bt70 (opc)

Having sold for HKD4.75m in Hong Kong in 2023 in Sotheby’s, this bottle has now returned to 2024 Sotheby’s Hong Kong Spring Sale as the top lot of the sale. Distilled in 1940, an extremely turbulent time in history, the 3 hands on the Sculpture represented Allan Shiach – Chairman of Macallan in 1940, distillery workers of 1940 and Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker of present day Macallan, who worked hand in hand transcending time to bring this whisky to life.

As Kirsteen Campbell herself puts it:

“It’s hard to put into words how truly special this whisky is. The expression

encapsulates the spirit of The Macallan and the timeless nature of our mastery

and craftsmanship, which continues to this day.”

Official tasting notes

NOSE

Dark chocolate, sweet cinnamon, aromatic peat, plums, leather, pink grapefruit, redcurrant jelly and a rich resinous note

PALATE

Treacle toffee, bramble jam, licorice, crystalised ginger, nutmeg, charred pineapple, pecans and woodsmoke

FINISH

Intensely rich, sweet and smoky