Product Information:
For this range, malt master Kelsey McKechnie has made a small selection of our rarest casks, each of exceptional quality and unique individual flavour to bring together in a tun marriage. The Balvenie 25-year-old is blended from a combination of whiskies matured in traditional American oak and European Sherry oak casks. It has extraordinary depth, the perfect balance to create the most elegantly fruity whisky expression the Twenty-Five hints at the most sought-after Balvenie flavours – bold vanilla oak, crystallised ginger and sweet runny honey.
The nose has a distinct honeyed sweetness with hints of brown sugar. Ripe fruits ranging from apple, pear to tropical aromas of mango and pineapple. Mint, anise and ginger accents. Seasoned oak in the background. Smooth and creamy on the palate. Baked apple notes, hints of tropical fruits. There is also a bit of liquorice and a pronounced flavour of baked cinnamon. A persistent fruit finish that lingers with cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg. Super.
Maker:
William Grant’s vision for Balvenie, established in 1892, was to transform the abandoned shell of an 18th-century manor house into a thriving whisky production facility. Neighbouring his successful Glenfiddich distillery, Grant used second-hand stills from Lagavulin and Glen Albyn to set up Balvenie, establishing a unique character for his new venture.
Today, Balvenie’s impressive craftsmanship continues to set it apart. The distillery operates with four wash stills and five spirit stills, which, though of similar dimensions as those at Glenfiddich, are taller. This height difference imparts a distinct style to Balvenie’s whisky, contributing to a richer and more nuanced profile compared to its neighbouring distillery.
A standout feature of The Balvenie is its commitment to traditional methods. Unlike many modern distilleries, Balvenie still practices floor malting, a time-honoured technique that involves spreading barley on the floor to germinate. This traditional process is complemented by the use of an on-site kiln for malting and peating, with barley grown on the distillery’s own farm, Balvenie Mains. This dedication to maintaining traditional practices ensures that each bottle of Balvenie whisky carries a deep sense of heritage and authenticity.
The Balvenie’s unique approach combines time-honoured techniques with innovative practices, such as the pioneering ‘finishing’ method introduced by Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE. This blend of tradition and innovation results in a range of whiskies that are both distinct and exceptional, reflecting the rich history and enduring legacy of The Balvenie Distillery.
The Philosophy:
The Balvenie distillery is a paragon of tradition and expertise, with a deep-rooted commitment to crafting exceptional whisky. This dedication is evident in every aspect of their production process, reflecting a blend of time-honoured practices and modern skill.
Unique among Scottish Highlands distilleries, The Balvenie grows and malts a portion of its own barley. This tradition, carried forward by James Wiseman and his son Duncan, ensures that generations of knowledge contribute to the whisky's distinctive quality. The Wiseman family's involvement in barley farming spans decades, underpinning the distillery’s legacy.
The art of cooperage is another cornerstone of The Balvenie's approach. Master cooper Ian McDonald, with 54 years at the distillery, exemplifies the craftsmanship required to repair and rebuild casks, a skill developed over years of experience, Ian shares, "I've been working with wood for so long that I know American Oak from European by feel." Also labour intensive is the malting floor, where malt men manually turn barley up to four times a day, and the precise use of peat in the kiln, add layers of complexity to the whisky.
The distillery’s copper stills are instrumental in shaping its flavour. Dennis McBain's expertise in copper smithing, alongside his apprentice George Singer, ensures that the intricate design of the stills contributes to the signature honeyed notes of The Balvenie.
Former Malt Master David C. Stewart, who dedicated 60 years to The Balvenie, revolutionised whisky production with his pioneering techniques, particularly around ‘cask finishes’. In 2023, Stewart passed the mantle to Kelsey McKechnie, recognising her exceptional talent and commitment. Stewart’s legacy continues through McKechnie, ensuring The Balvenie’s tradition of excellence endures.
Nose - Runny Honey, Oaky Char, Candied Orange Peel
Honeyed sweetness with hints of brown sugar and orange peel. Then ripe orchard fruit, apple, pear, and some tropical fruit aromas of mango and pineapple.
Palate - Toasted Marshmallows, Fruit Terrine, Vanilla Oak
The initial bold vanilla oak flavours slowly dissipate to reveal layers of toasted marshmallows, fresh fruit terrine and cinnamon-infused apple tart.
Finish - Cinnamon Dusted Apple Tart, Apricots, Nutmeg
The finish is long, with a lingering fruity sweetness, accompanied by cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg.
The Finer Details
Style - Scotch Whisky
Country - Scotland
Region - Speyside
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 48%
