Whyte & Mackay, among the world’s largest producers of Scotch whisky, has announced the launch of Shackleton Blended Malt Scotch Whisky in the U.S. market.
Shackleton Blended Malt combines Highland single malts to “capture the spirit of the original whisky commissioned by British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton’s for his legendary 1907 Antarctic expedition,” the company reports.
Sir Ernest Shackleton commissioned 25 cases of Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt Whisky for his expedition. Shackleton and his men reached 88 degrees south, further than his previous attempt at the South Pole, but still 97 miles short. Shackleton was forced to turn back, leading his crew home to safety, even after their ship was lost under the ice. Supplies left behind included three cases of Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt.
One century later, 11 intact bottles containing this perfectly preserved whisky were recovered from under the ice beneath Shackleton’s basecamp. Master Blender Richard Paterson, inspired by this antique whisky, has created Shackleton Blended Malt Scotch Whisky.
The whisky ages in a combination of ex-bourbon American white oak barrels and Spanish Sherry butts. The result is “a rich and robust” whisky, the company reports, with notes of vanilla, honey, ginger, liquorice, and a hint of bonfire smoke.
Shackleton is the first blended malt brand to join Whyte & Mackay’s portfolio as a permanent offering. Shackleton will be available in the U.S. beginning this month with a recommended retail price of $35 per 750-ml. bottle.
To learn more, visit theshackletonwhisky.com or follow @theshackletonwhisky on Instagram and Facebook.
