Artistry unveiled: Exploring the rich narratives of The Balvenie Stories

Behind every bottle of The Balvenie is a journey of craftsmanship. From the careful tending of the barley farmers to the discerning touch of the malt master, each step in the process speaks of the skilful artistry of its makers. 

To honour this quiet dedication, the distillery has created The Balvenie Stories – a series of single malts that draws inspiration from the narratives of its creators. The collection builds upon the distillery’s finesse in cask finishing – a technique pioneered by honorary ambassador and former malt master David C Stewart that results in delightful new expressions.

As you delve into each chapter of The Balvenie Stories, a fresh theme emerges, brought to life through an immersive audiobook featuring interviews with the craftsmen and a guided tasting. Navigate through the rich narratives to discover an expression that resonates with your distinctive character.

FOR THE CURIOUS: A REVELATION OF CASK AND CHARACTER

Curiosity often leads to fascinating journeys, and Ian McDonald’s experiences tell a unique tale. With 50 years devoted to The Balvenie, McDonald’s insatiable curiosity has led him to his current role as head cooper. Cultivating his expertise through a commitment to exploration, he has developed an extraordinary connection with the materials he works with – so much so that he can discern different types of wood by touch alone.

McDonald’s understanding of the special connection between cooperage tools and their original craftsmen, gleaned during a 2009 visit to a bodega in Jerez, inspired malt master Kelsey McKechnie to create A Revelation of Cask and Character. Solely matured in European oak ex-sherry casks, it represents McDonald’s collaboration with Spanish bodegas.

Tailored for the aficionado who appreciates curiosity in the pursuit of knowledge, the 19-year-old whisky embodies a cooper’s dedication to embracing the new. Indulge in its honey-smooth richness, as it unfolds in layers of spice and ripe fruits, offering a nuanced experience that reflects the inquisitive spirit at the heart of its conception.

FOR THE LOYAL: A RARE DISCOVERY FROM DISTANT SHORES

Those with close bonds will understand that trust stands as a cornerstone to the enduring nature of friendship. This crucial element is also the catalyst behind the creation of the 27-year-old A Rare Discovery from Distant Shores.

John Barrett, known as the “travelling salesman” among friends, would often scour the globe for rare and exceptional spirits during his trips – a task entrusted to him by his good friend, Stewart. Upon his return one day, he caused a stir in the sampling room with a small batch of Caroni rum. Recognising the special find, Stewart decided to transfer some 20-year-old Balvenie whisky from its traditional American oak casks to these Caroni rum casks. Over the next seven years, the whisky underwent transformative changes, elevating its flavour profile into something truly extraordinary.

A sip of this aged whisky evokes the essence of sweet bonds forged over decades, offering a resplendent medley of muscovado sugar, manuka honey, treacle toffee, aged leather and oak.

FOR THE INTREPID: THE WEEK OF PEAT

Whiskies have evolved significantly over the years, with the earliest variants possessing a taste that might be considered an acquired palate compared to contemporary offerings. Their distinct profiles, often characterised by a smoky tang, were imparted by burning peat used to dry malted barley for distillation. The 14-year-old The Week of Peat is a nod to that tradition.

This peaty yet distinctively Balvenie expression is the outcome of distillery manager Ian Millar’s week-long experimentation after a visit to the famed Islay, a region in Scotland known for producing peated whiskies. So impressive was the result that the distillery now dedicates one week per year to produce The Week of Peat.

Purists who relish a challenge will love the unadulterated experience blooming from each sip. While a bouquet of honey, vanilla and citrus greets the palate initially, a delicate smokiness soon accompanies the sip – an unapologetic note that has converted adventurous connoisseurs into fervent enthusiasts.

FOR THE INVENTIVE: THE SWEET TOAST OF AMERICAN OAK

Challenging the status quo can be daunting. It requires a measured shift in perspective, some courage and a little bit of luck. This enigmatic formula comes to only a few, and malt master McKechnie steps up with her imaginative exploration in crafting the 12-year-old The Sweet Toast of American Oak.

Inspired during a collaborative session with the team, McKechnie set out to create a fruitier and sweeter expression of The Balvenie – a task that could potentially dilute the gravity of traditional whisky notes. Guided by Stewart, she discovered the perfect casks for the job that won’t tip the balance – select Kentucky virgin oak barrels from Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, Kentucky.

The outcome is a complex whisky dancing with notes of caramelised fruits, delicate vanilla and oak. The secret lies in toasting the white oak barrels on an open fire, as revealed by Paul McLaughlin of Kelvin Cooperage, which activates the “nutty, marzipan-like smell, like freshly baked bread”.

After a stint in ex-bourbon barrels, the spirit is finished in casks from The Balvenie cooperage, infusing additional coconut and honey notes. While the journey poses challenges, it uncovers new possibilities for the distillery. Such a process is one embraced by innovators, and the resulting whisky a dram designed for pioneers.

Every bottle in the Stories range pays homage to the individuals behind the whiskies with its own commissioned artwork by British print artist Andy Lovell – a heartfelt tribute to The Balvenie’s generational heritage in skill, craft and passionate whisky-making.

 Experience The Balvenie Stories, sip by sip, chapter by chapter.