Balvenie whiskey: history, features, overview of taste and types
The producer of one of the best scotches, which received the highest rating (100 points) from the creator of the Whisky Bible, Jim Murray, the pioneer of the "extra-aged" technology and the winner of numerous industry awards - the Balvenie brand never ceases to delight its fans with its excellent quality and taste.
History of the Balvenie brand
The merit of creating one of the brightest Scottish single malt scotches belongs to the legendary man - William Grant. Having started his career as a simple accountant at a little-known factory, the hardworking entrepreneur managed to reach unprecedented heights and remained in the memory of his descendants as an example of unwavering spirit and determination.
Having built his own distillery literally "stone by stone", the ambitious Scotsman set himself the task of not just making money, but creating "the best whiskey in the Spey Valley". And he succeeded.
Initially, there were single malt spirits under the Glenfiddich brand and blended Grant scotch’s" in the branded triangular bottles, and after the construction of the second plant in 1892, the first samples of "The Balvenie" were released. At first, they were used to create blends, and only a few decades later they began to be produced as separate drinks.
The new distillery, like the whisky it produces, was named after the abandoned castle bought by the Grant family, which became the basis for the enterprise. Having realized his dream and made a name for the brand, William died, handing over the business to his sons.
A new era in the history of The Balvenie distillery began in 1962, when a young laborer David Stewart appeared on its territory. At that time, the future master of the brand was only 17 years old, and he hardly hoped to become famous as the creator of new technologies. However, a few years later, David began revolutionary experiments with the aging of whisky in different types of casks, which resulted in the birth of one of the best single malt scotches - "The Balvenie Classic" in 1983.
The great master has worked at the Grant family distillery for more than half a century, and during this time he has brought it many significant awards.
Features of Balvenie whiskey production
The creation of the unique character of Balvenie is based on 5 principles that have been strictly adhered to for many decades:
The use of "home" barley. Grain for malt production is grown on the company's own farm with minimal influence of modern technologies.
Traditional malt processing. Before drying in the kiln, the wet grain mass is laid on the floor and turned by hand until it is ready for further processing.
Special design of copper cubes. The distillation equipment at the company has not changed much since its foundation. The unique spherical shape of the cubes with an elongated thin neck is reflected in the design of the branded bottle.
Preparation of barrels at our own cooperage. The craftsmen working with oak casks have been mastering the craft of firing for many years. The special properties of wood provide Balveni's drinks with characteristic caramel tones and sweetness.
Careful selection of spirits. Balvenie's master craftsman, relying on his professional intuition and the characteristics of the distillates, determines the time and type of aging for each of them.
Overview of Balvenie flavors and types
The Balvenie core line includes 4 aged single malt scotches created by David Stewart:
DoubleWood aged 12 years old
For the maturation of a multi-layered drink, 2 types of barrels are used: bourbon and sherry.
The aroma has fruity and honey-vanilla notes.
Taste: smooth, mild, combining nutty sweetness, cinnamon spice and delicate sherry hints.
Finish: long, warming.
DoubleWood 17 year old
Aging in different types of containers gave birth to this rich, complex scotch.
The influence of American oak is felt in soft vanilla notes, sherry barrels provide a spicy aroma and deep flavor.
Main tones: honey, green apple, creamy toffee, dried fruits, spices, toasted almonds and cinnamon.
Caribbean Cask 14 year old
Single malt whiskey with a smooth, honeyed character, matured in Caribbean rum barrels.
Aroma: rich, sweet, with notes of toffee and fruit.
Taste: round, vanilla and oak, with a lingering warm aftertaste.
PortWood 21 year old
One of the best drinks of the brand, aged in port barrels.
The flavor combines fruit, raisin and nutty tones.
Taste: refined, creamy, silky, with honey and spicy notes.
The Balvenie brand also includes the following series
Rare & Precious
Rare collectible drinks of 30-50 years of age.
Travel Retail
Exclusive line for duty-free shops.
From the Tun
A limited collection of scotches created from spirits of different degrees and types of aging.
Single Barrel
Special drinks, each of which was selected by David Stewart from a specific barrel.
Update: 17.04.2019
Category: Whiskey and Bourbon