Officially launched in Vietnam at the event on August 28, 2022, the 81-year-old version of the famous brand from Speyside is ranked among the oldest single malts in the world, leaving a unique mark in the hearts of connoisseurs. However, not everyone knows the stories behind the single malt version that has special significance to the history of this brand. Let's find out!
Heritage icons born from historical inspiration
“Born over a period of great change, this special icon represents history, craftsmanship and an uncompromising spirit,” Kirsteen Campbell, master blender of the 200-year-old single malt brand, proudly shares about the brand’s rarest and oldest single malt.
This 81-year-old expression was distilled in 1940, during the difficult period of World War II due to raw material shortages. However, with endless passion, experienced craftsmen persevered to bring back an icon of heritage. Therefore, the launch is not only to mark a new record but also to pay tribute to the extraordinary efforts of the resilient people who created and continued the legacy of an unparalleled single malt brand in challenging times.
This steadfast spirit is clearly depicted through the statue of three bronze arms cradling a decanter protecting the precious single malt. The first arm of the statue represents the distillery team in 1940 with their commendable perseverance. They were also the pioneers who laid the foundation as well as the strict standards, challenging the time to create a unique work.
A quintessential single malt with a timeless character
If the first hand is a tribute to the craftsmen, the second hand is the story of Allan Shiach's grandfather, the then chairman of The Macallan, who pioneered the idea of distilling with sherry oak casks, marking a distinct technical milestone that created the exquisite flavor of this famous brand.
The rare 81-year-old single malt is crafted from a single sherry oak cask, through a complex process of distillation, distillation and hand-filling. Instilled with a cask-centric philosophy, the master maltists at The Macallan Estate have created single malts whose colours are entirely natural, developed during the maturation process in the casks, giving them their distinctive flavours and nuances.
This dark brown premium single malt retains the signature flavour of the renowned brand, but through the delicate combination of single malt and wood for over eight decades, the flavour reaches its “mature” level: accompanied by notes of dark chocolate, sweet cinnamon and aromatic peat, there is a combination of toffee, ginger and grilled pineapple. Finally, the aftertaste lingers with the richness of pecans combined with a light smoke.
The single malt master's momentous decision
Every drop of the 81-year-old malt has been protected for generations, and is finally distilled under the watchful eye of Kirsteen Campbell, the brand’s Master Blender. She is known as the first woman to become a Master Blender of Single Malt in its 200-year history.
With 20 years of experience and an incredibly sharp nose, Kirsteen takes on the role of quality manager with the brand’s signature “no compromise” spirit. It was she who meticulously selected the quality of the distillery casks in 1940 and decided that 2022 was the time to introduce this masterpiece to single malt connoisseurs around the world. So it’s no surprise that the final arm is dedicated to this master craftsman, designed by sculptor Saskia Robinson.
It can be said that this unique single malt version is a combination of the creative quintessence of a group of masters in various fields. Under the meticulous care of experienced artisans, the version only produces a limited quantity of 288 bottles worldwide and Vietnam is proud to own only one bottle.
