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Officially launched in Vietnam on August 28, 2022, the 81st anniversary edition of this renowned brand from Speyside, considered one of the oldest single malt whiskies in the world, has left a unique mark on whisky enthusiasts. However, not everyone knows the stories behind this single malt whisky, which hold special significance for the brand's history. Let's find out!
Heritage symbols are born from historical inspiration.
“Nurtured through a period of ups and downs, this exceptional symbol represents history, craftsmanship, and an uncompromising spirit,” proudly shared Kirsteen Campbell, master blender of the 200-year-old single malt brand, about the brand’s rarest and oldest single malt edition.
This 81-year-old whisky was distilled in 1940, during a particularly difficult period of World War II due to material shortages. However, with boundless passion, the experienced artisans persevered to create this iconic heritage. Therefore, the launch event not only marks a new record but also pays tribute to the extraordinary, timeless efforts and dedication of the resilient individuals who have created, maintained, and continued the legacy of this unparalleled single malt whisky brand during challenging times.
This unwavering spirit is vividly portrayed through the bronze statue depicting three arms cradling a decanter that protects the precious single malt whisky. The first arm of the statue represents the distillation team in 1940, whose perseverance is commendable. They were also the pioneers who laid the foundation and established the rigorous standards that have stood the test of time to create this unique masterpiece.
This single malt whisky is a masterpiece steeped in the history of time.
If the first hand represents a tribute to the craftsmen, the second hand tells the story of Allan Shiach's grandfather, the then-chairman of The Macallan, who pioneered the idea of distillation in sherry oak casks, marking a unique technical milestone that created the refined flavor of this renowned brand.
This rare 81-year-old single malt is crafted from a single sherry oak cask, undergoing an incredibly complex process of distillation, cask separation, and hand-machining. Embracing a cask-centric philosophy, the master single malt makers at The Macallan estate have created single malts with entirely natural colors, formed during the cask maturation process, thus giving them a unique flavor profile and character.
This premium dark brown single malt retains the signature flavor of the renowned brand. Furthermore, through a sophisticated blend of single malt and wood aged for over eight decades, its taste has reached a mature level: Alongside notes of dark chocolate, sweet cinnamon, and fragrant peat, there's a combination of toffee, ginger, and roasted pineapple. Finally, the finish leaves a rich nutty aftertaste with a subtle smoky undertone.
A momentous decision by the master single malt distiller.
Every drop of this 81-year-old single malt whisky has been preserved through generations and ultimately refined under the supervision of Kirsteen Campbell, the brand's master blender. She is known as the first woman to become a master single malt blender in the brand's 200-year history.
With 20 years of experience and supported by an incredibly sharp, innate "nose," Kirsteen takes on the role of quality control with the brand's characteristic "perfection without compromise" spirit. She meticulously selected the quality of the distillation stills in 1940 and decided that 2022 was the time to introduce this masterpiece to single malt whisky connoisseurs worldwide. Therefore, it's no surprise that the final touch, a design by sculptor Saskia Robinson, is dedicated to this master craftsman.
It can be said that this unique single malt whisky is the culmination of the creative genius of a team of masters in various fields. Under the meticulous craftsmanship of experienced artisans, this edition is limited to only 288 bottles worldwide, and Vietnam proudly possesses a single bottle.
