Shackleton's Whisky - Mackinlay's Rare Old Highland Malt

Well, how would you say?... "A blast from the past" I guess! If you haven't heard about this Whisky or the whole story about Shackleton and his Nimrod Expedition in 1909... then I would recommend going back to school or to go back into the closet where you have been the last 5 years!

Thing is though, I think when writing a Review on the WhiskyConnsor’s Website, then it’s obvious that probably 99.9% of the Whisky Enthusiasts here know about the “Shackleton’s Whisky”!

Being it my first written Whisky Review on WhiskyConnsor’s Website, I thought why not write about something that’s close to my heart. To summer the story up a little, A team of Archaeologists from The NZ Antarctic Heritage Trust in February 2007 came across an amazing discovery at Cape Royds, Ross Island, Antarctica, of what was once Sir Ernest Shackleton’s South Pole Expedition Hut (77°33?S 166°9?E / 77.55°S 166.15°E / -77.55; 166.15) – to be exact! The discovery was several cases of Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt whisky, which had been left behind after a failed attempt to reach the South Pole on the “Nimrod” between 1907 and 1909. After retrieving a few cases from underneath the hut in early 2010, they were then taken to The Canterbury Museum, where the crates under tight security and supervision, were left to slowly thaw and be allowed to reveal the mystery under the ice and straw. To which they unearthed its contents to recover bottles of the Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt, which was ordered by Shackleton himself for the long Expedition.

Whyte & Mackay’s Master Blender Richard “The Nose” Paterson, got the chance to collect 3 bottles from New Zealand, and with help from Dr Vijay Mallya and his private jet, were flown back home to Scotland to be analyzed. Once the analysis was completed, Richard Paterson then started his magic, and went about going trying to re-create the Shackleton’s Whisky. To which he successfully achieved! And now, we have the privilege of tasting this one off, limited edition Whisky that was once “history”!

Nose: (Hello… How are ye?...) Because of the Alcohol content being 47,3%, it does hit you at first, but then prickles the nose and becomes more softer and refined with aromas of apple crumble, pear drops and freshly cut pineapple. It also has a hint of cinnamon and ginger coming through after a couple of minutes. The Oak is dominant, but the “tease of smoke” is very much in the background, to which I thought, would be more prominent in the Dram.

Taste: (Don’t drink it like a Cowboy now!) It’s a wonderful idea being able to taste a part of history, to know what Whisky tasted like back then. After leaving the Dram in the “Copita Nosing Glass” (of course!) for a good 15 minutes, I then went ahead and savoured this “Liquid Gold”. It reveals hints of Highland Toffee (from the Ice Cream Van), pears and crushed pecan nuts, treacle and a whisper of Smoke. Very pleasant on the palate.

Finish: Lasts long on the tongue, with a lingering taste of smoke in the background.

A remarkable discovery, an amazing story, a tremendous achievement! What more can I say?!

Slàinte Mhath.

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