Talk About A Honey Barrel. The Macallan just raised the bar for collectible whisky with The Reach. Here is an 81-year-old age-stated single malt, marking the most mature whisky release in the distillery’s almost 200-year history. This rare collectible is the contents of one sherry seasoned oak cask, distilled in 1940 just before the distillery shut down during World War II. The result is 288 bottles of whisky history.

Perhaps equally as impressive as the backstory of this juice is the striking presentation, assuring this will take center stage in any well-heeled enthusiast’s collection. Designed by Sculptor Saskia Robinson, Each of the three hands holding the decanter represents characters in The Macallan’s history. One hand represents the workers who distilled this particular whisky. A second paid homage to former chairman and noted Hollywood producer Allan Shiach, whose grandfather headed The Macallan in 1940. The third hand belongs to Kirsteen Campbell, who is currently Master Of Whisky at The Macallan.

“It is an honor to introduce The Reach,” Campbell says in a statement. “Created during a turbulent time in the world, this extraordinary expression showcases The Macallan’s history, ingenuity, and unmistakable strength of character.”

Expect notes of dark chocolate, sweet cinnamon, and aromatic peat, plus fruity aromas like plums, grapefruit, and currant jam mingling with leather. An incredible range of flavors abound on the palate, including but not exclusive to toffee, jammy fruit, licorice, ginger, nutmeg, charred pineapple, pecans, woodsmoke. The whisky’s age presents itself most on the “intensely rich, sweet and smoky” finish.

You won’t find thisone in your local liquor store. This bottling will be available at The Macallan Estate Boutique starting February 9th. A few bottles will be released in domestic and travel retail Boutiques soon, but a specific date is not released.