Since the beginning of time, storytelling has been a way of passing down knowledge and building legacies. Likewise, The Balvenie Stories Range bring to life human stories of character, endeavour, and craft. Influenced by tales of whisky making locales and the passion of its makers, the collection is sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike.
In time for the holidays, the Speyside whisky maker unveils two new whiskies in its Stories Range. 19 Year Old ‘A Revelation of Cask and Character’ and 27 Year Old ‘A Rare Discovery from Distant Shores’, join expressions such as 12 Year Old ‘The Sweet Toast of American Oak’ and 14 Year Old ‘The Week of Peat’.
The first in the collection to be matured entirely in 100 percent European Oak sherry cask, the 19 Year Old offers rich and luxurious flavours. Inspired by the coopers who maintain The Balvenie’s casks, the expression pays homage to the collaborative process between these craftsmen and the distillery. This ongoing partnership allows them to experiment with different casks to explore new flavours and shape the character of the whiskies.
Helmed by head cooper Ian McDonald, The Balvenie is one of a small number of distilleries in Scotland that have a cooperage on site. As such, the coopers leave an indelible mark on the whisky production process. The use of sherry casks creates richness, with The Balvenie’s familiar honey smoothness revealing layers of spice and ripe fruits. Finally, this gives way to a chewy fig and a long creamy, nutty finish.
Meanwhile, the 27 Year Old celebrates friendship and creativity, through the story of David C. Stewart MBE and his long-time friend and colleague John Barrett. He inspired The Balvenie Whisky Stocks team when he brought some special samples of Caroni rum to the distillery’s sample room.
Barrett’s knack for finding interesting spirits from around the world gave David and the team opportunities for experimentation. The influence of the Caroni rum casks gives new notes to the distillery’s signature honeyed flavour. As such, the whisky is dark and indulgent, with hints of muscovado sugar and manuka honey.
These elements of storytelling take shape through the bottle’s labels, which feature bespoke illustrations by British artist and printmaker Andy Lovell. Bold, hand-made gestural marks are used to build up images that capture the evocative atmosphere of the distillery’s landscape.
‘A Revelation of Cask and Character’ and ‘A Rare Discovery from Distant Shores’ are a tribute to the expertise and skill of the team that develops our whisky, as well as The Balvenie’s legacy of innovation and craftsmanship,” says Charles Metcalfe, The Balvenie global brand ambassador.
“The limited quantity of the two expressions mean they will only be available for two years, making them a great collectable and a story worth capturing,” he adds.
Find out more about these limited edition expressions here.
