Limited to just 8,850 bottles worldwide – Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE drew on his extensive knowledge and expertly hand-selected 31 of the finest casks from the distillery’s precious aged whisky stocks. He used 12 sherry butts distilled between 1989 and 1992, 11 American oak hogsheads distilled in 1989 and eight refill American Oak butts distilled in 1992 and 1993. All were transferred to the single marrying vessel, which for several months sat in Warehouse 24 before bottling. This is a rare interpretation of the marrying process, allowing all 31 casks to come together in a unique expression of The Balvenie that’s greater than the sum of its constituent parts.
Tasting notes
Mature sweet oak, a little spice, mild orange and honey
Deliciously rich and smooth, syrupy mandarin orange, raisins and vanilla, honey, sweet barley sugar. The orange becomes a little more zesty, a little cinnamon and ginger.
Long and warm.
Founded in 1892 by William Grant, ever since little has changed. Thanks to a combination of natural alchemy and centuries-old craftsmanship, The Balvenie is unique among single malts. Until today still the only distillery that still grows its own barley and has one of the few malting floors left in Scotland. Their casks are maintained by coppersmiths in order to ensure that each barrel is in perfect condition.
94 points Whisky Bible
