MACKINLAY'S SHACKLETON WHISKY 1ST EDITION - WHYTE & MACKAY

Back in 2010 the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust discovered whisky buried under the South Pole Explorer Ernest Shackleton's expedition cabin 100 miles (160km) from the South Pole.

11 bottles were found there and 3 bottles were later flow by private jet to Scotland where Whyte & Mackay's Master Blender Richard Paterson would try and recreate the taste from this 1907-whisky. The contents of the bottle are comprised of Glen Mhor (closed 1983), which was the main part of the Mackinlay's Blend back in 1907, Dalmore and Speyside whiskies ranging in age between 8-30 years of age. You can read the whole story about the whisky on this very fancy website on the Shackleton's Whisky.

So, how did the good Mr. Paterson do putting together this blended malt?
Well, since I've never tasted anything from the early 1900's I have no idea, really, but I'll give you my point of view on it...


Dalmore, the spiritual home of Whyte & Mackay 23rd August 2012 - © The Malt Desk

Mackinlay's Highland Malt 'Shackleton's Whisky' - Replica bottle 2011, No Age Statement, 47,3%, 50000 bottles, Whyte & Mackay

Colour is straw

Nose:
Very light, hint of peat, yeast, citrus, vanilla and a bit of that dunnage feel to the nose as well. Not very expressive to me

Taste:
Again very light. Arrival on crisp malt, wood spices (pepper and ginger), caramel and hint of citrus and peat. Again, I'm not getting alot from this...

It's not bad... just... dull, IMO! and certainly not something I'd pay the 1200,- Dkr/£100/€180/$200 for... even though I like the the whole story surrounding the whisky... but hey, I'm just you're average critical blogger ;-)

79/100!