The Balvenie 14 Year American Bourbon Barrel...$99.99
Compare to $114.99 at Total Wine and More
A Collection of Curious Casks
Limited Edition
Distilled in 2009
Velvety sweetness, rich toffee and smouldering oak reveal crisp citrus aromas and ever flowing honey musk. Candied orange peel is grounded in woody, earthy flavors from beautifully roasted malt and a deep vanilla oakiness. A finish that is long and lingering.- The Balvenie
A Whisky Transformed by Time
These casks hold a special place in The Balvenie story. Originally part of David C. Stewart's experiment with French Pineau casks, they initially didn't meet his exacting standards. Yet, their journey continued. Left to mature for an additional eight years under Kelsey's watchful eye, they revealed a remarkable transformation. The result? A whisky showcasing the enduring influence of time and David's pioneering spirit.
The story of
A Collection of Curious CasksA Collection of Curious Casks
Behind the weighty warehouse door lies a vast space filled with the heady aroma of wood and whisky. As your eyes slowly adjust to the darkness, thousands of casks are revealed. Shafts of light from the small warehouse windows illuminate the meticulously stacked library of liquid treasures.
There are the classics, and amongst them, rare and striking Single Casks, yet to be discovered. Amidst this scene, one man waits, dressed in a simple black t-shirt, despite Speyside's frosty temperatures. A second figure approaches, heralded by the sound of light footsteps which echo around the lofty warehouse.
As usual, their conversation is punctuated by peals of laughter. After delivering her Sample requests, Our Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie makes her way to the Tasting Room, leaving George Paterson alone in his natural habitat. He doesn’t linger long; he has a job to do.
They have worked in this easy way as long as George has been Warehouse and Samples Coordinator. Kelsey provides the guiding vision and know-how, and in her words, George, is "the dedicated man on the ground", with a keen mental map of the Warehouses that guide his daily rounds. Always quick with a smile, and sometimes a well-meaning prank, genuine joy for his role radiates from him”. The two make a perfect alliance. These all-important rendezvous are also an opportunity for George to flag anything he finds interesting. One notable cask kept being picked for a 40-year-old marriage and George recalls saying to Kelsey “please no, it's just too good to be blended away”. After replying that “he would have to let it go one of these days”, it was eventually tipped whilst he was on holiday, but not into the marriage it was originally fated for. This memorable single cask went on to become The Tale of the Dog, a proof point of the pair’s sharp instincts and intuition.
George has been watching over our precious casks and shepherding them to distinction for over a decade. A lot can happen in the span of ten years. Daily routines are fossilized into ritual, and unexpected discoveries can become legends. It’s these weird and wonderful outlier whiskies, born of interesting experiments, unique woods, and curious whims, that George takes a shine to.
His desire to share these rare treats makes him the perfect host for Warehouse Tastings, which he runs with Global Ambassador Charlie Metcalfe.
Quite the showman, he'll draw samples with proud ceremony, using a custom valinch hand made by coppersmith Dennis McBain. This valinch is always polished to perfection, playfully winking in the light”, almost as if it’s alive with the same joyous mischief as the man himself.
These tastings typically feature “unique and unexpected character, unusual casks that no one else has seen before - anything with a jaw-drop factor”, elaborates George. And thus, the whiskies released under this Story are inspired by just that, with Kelsey selecting an exquisite range of curious single casks that embody some of our finest hidden gems.
It’s true that much of the making of great whisky happens within the privacy of the casks. Flavour blooms, richness rises and layers settle in for the long haul; an alchemy encased in well-chosen wood. However, there’s a little something extra that makes our whiskies so special, and that takes place outside these precious vessels. The spark of brilliant ideas born from a simple conversation between friends amongst the casks.
A Collection of Curious Casks
Limited Edition
Distilled in 2009
Velvety sweetness, rich toffee and smouldering oak reveal crisp citrus aromas and ever flowing honey musk. Candied orange peel is grounded in woody, earthy flavors from beautifully roasted malt and a deep vanilla oakiness. A finish that is long and lingering.- The Balvenie
New Limited Release - Aged in French Pineau Caks
The Balvenie 18 Year French Pineau Cask Finsish...$359.99
The Balvenie 18 Year French Pineau Cask Finsish...$359.99
Compare to $399.99 at Total Wine and More
A Collection of Curious Casks
Limited Edition
Intriguing layers of spice and rich sweetness layer on creamy vanilla and honey before revealing gentle oaky tannins.A Collection of Curious Casks
Limited Edition
A Whisky Transformed by Time
These casks hold a special place in The Balvenie story. Originally part of David C. Stewart's experiment with French Pineau casks, they initially didn't meet his exacting standards. Yet, their journey continued. Left to mature for an additional eight years under Kelsey's watchful eye, they revealed a remarkable transformation. The result? A whisky showcasing the enduring influence of time and David's pioneering spirit.
The story of
A Collection of Curious CasksA Collection of Curious Casks
Behind the weighty warehouse door lies a vast space filled with the heady aroma of wood and whisky. As your eyes slowly adjust to the darkness, thousands of casks are revealed. Shafts of light from the small warehouse windows illuminate the meticulously stacked library of liquid treasures.
There are the classics, and amongst them, rare and striking Single Casks, yet to be discovered. Amidst this scene, one man waits, dressed in a simple black t-shirt, despite Speyside's frosty temperatures. A second figure approaches, heralded by the sound of light footsteps which echo around the lofty warehouse.
As usual, their conversation is punctuated by peals of laughter. After delivering her Sample requests, Our Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie makes her way to the Tasting Room, leaving George Paterson alone in his natural habitat. He doesn’t linger long; he has a job to do.
They have worked in this easy way as long as George has been Warehouse and Samples Coordinator. Kelsey provides the guiding vision and know-how, and in her words, George, is "the dedicated man on the ground", with a keen mental map of the Warehouses that guide his daily rounds. Always quick with a smile, and sometimes a well-meaning prank, genuine joy for his role radiates from him”. The two make a perfect alliance. These all-important rendezvous are also an opportunity for George to flag anything he finds interesting. One notable cask kept being picked for a 40-year-old marriage and George recalls saying to Kelsey “please no, it's just too good to be blended away”. After replying that “he would have to let it go one of these days”, it was eventually tipped whilst he was on holiday, but not into the marriage it was originally fated for. This memorable single cask went on to become The Tale of the Dog, a proof point of the pair’s sharp instincts and intuition.
George has been watching over our precious casks and shepherding them to distinction for over a decade. A lot can happen in the span of ten years. Daily routines are fossilized into ritual, and unexpected discoveries can become legends. It’s these weird and wonderful outlier whiskies, born of interesting experiments, unique woods, and curious whims, that George takes a shine to.
His desire to share these rare treats makes him the perfect host for Warehouse Tastings, which he runs with Global Ambassador Charlie Metcalfe.
Quite the showman, he'll draw samples with proud ceremony, using a custom valinch hand made by coppersmith Dennis McBain. This valinch is always polished to perfection, playfully winking in the light”, almost as if it’s alive with the same joyous mischief as the man himself.
These tastings typically feature “unique and unexpected character, unusual casks that no one else has seen before - anything with a jaw-drop factor”, elaborates George. And thus, the whiskies released under this Story are inspired by just that, with Kelsey selecting an exquisite range of curious single casks that embody some of our finest hidden gems.
It’s true that much of the making of great whisky happens within the privacy of the casks. Flavour blooms, richness rises and layers settle in for the long haul; an alchemy encased in well-chosen wood. However, there’s a little something extra that makes our whiskies so special, and that takes place outside these precious vessels. The spark of brilliant ideas born from a simple conversation between friends amongst the casks.
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