Scotch From Shackleton’s Antarctic Misson To Be Recovered

Over 1oo years ago Explorer Ernest Shackleton lost his ship, the Endurance to the ice of the Weddell Sea off of Antarctica, forever locking in his place in history. The Endurance lasted for 11 months, from January 1915 until it was crushed and eventually sank in November 1915. For those that know the tale of this amazing adventure you would be please to know that all though this was one of the most successful failures of all time. Shackleton was an amazingly fortunate man who’s determination and will power is still a thing of awe. Known for his tenacity, a man greatly respected in the small elite field of polar explorers, Shackleton would no doubt be proud to know that the scotch he had reluctantly discarded during an unsuccessful south pole bid will be recovered.

Now with great excitement the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust has announced plans to recover the two crates of McKinlay and Co whisky lost during Shackleton’s failed bid to cross Antarctica. The crates were discovered in 2006 but it was deemed impossible to recover them due to their depth in the ice. However the Trust is not the only group out there trying to recover the whisky, Whyte and Mackay, the distiller that now owns the McKinlay whiskey brand is eager to get a bottle in an attempt to recreate the scotch.

This tale of recovery is almost as intriguing as Shackleton’s life and let’s hope both cases are brought back unscathed much like Shackleton’s men to which during his failed south pole bed he did not lose a single man, the sign of a true leader.

If you wish to read more about the Endurance and the amazing tale of survival check out Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Journey To The Antarctic by Alfred Lansing.