A whisky by The Macallan that predates the distillery’s shutdown due to the Second World War has launched as the brand’s oldest whisky to date.

The Reach, an 81-year-old single malt, is set to release for £92,000 per bottle, making it a rare, unique whisky investment for connoisseurs and fans interested in The Macallan’s history, as the cask represents a unique point in time where the potential for disaster was particularly high.

It was originally casked in a single sherry-seasoned oak cask in 1940 and was one of the last casks to be distilled before the intensity of the Battle of Britain caused the distillery to close for the first time since 1824.

With coal supplies rerouted to support the war effort and many of the distillers conscripted into combat, The Reach is a symbol of hope, resilience and survival, and the particular design of the 288 decanters symbolises the timeless, tireless reach for excellence.

The whisky is stored in a specially-designed elm box made from a fallen tree that was believed to have stood on The Macallan Estate in 1940, whilst the decanter itself is made from traditionally mouth-blown glass made by Scottish artisans.

The most striking feature of The Reach, however, is the three hands that hold the decanter aloft, each representing the dedication, creativity and hard work that led to the creation of the 81-year-old single malt.

The first represents the distillery workers who in the worst of times were the best of people and crafted the spirit before bravely fighting for their country.

The second represents Allan Shiach, former chairman of Macallan-Glenlivet, executive producer of The Queen’s Gambit and the grandson of the head of the distillery when The Reach was first casked.

The final hand represents Kirsteen Campbell, Master Whisky Maker at The Macallan and the person who chose the cask and the time to bring it into the world.