One of Dufftown’s best loved distilleries is set to unveil a trilogy of single malts that will rank among the rarest ever released by the brand, with the first edition debuting imminently.
William Grant and Sons’ owned Balvenie distillery have revealed plans for the Balvenie Fifty Collection, which will comprise three 50 year old expressions released annually over the next three years. Each edition of the Fifty Collection will be limited to just 125 bottles.
The inaugural expression is crafted from spirit distilled in 1973 then laid to mature in a single European oak cask for half a century. Bottled at 52.3% ABV, the whisky is set to display Balvenie’s trademark sweet, honeyed character, with additional notes of cassis, candied apricot and nutty spices.
1973 was a special year for the Balvenie as that was the year that legendary former malt master David Stewart and his team filled their first casks. Indeed, the inaugural release is not the only 1973 vintage in this range.
Interestingly, each of the subsequent editions of this range will marry the previous edition. The second release will marry the first edition with another 1973 vintage, this one drawn from a single American oak hogshead. This second whisky will then be married with spirit from another American oak barrel - this time a 1974 vintage - to produce the final whisky in the trilogy.
Speaking on the collection, current malt master Kelsey McKechnie said that “using a refill butt for the First Edition in this collection provides us with a distinctive flavour thread that will run through our next two releases, demonstrating the spectrum of flavours and aromas in our aged spirit. It is a celebration of our legacy, our passion, and our unwavering commitment to producing some of the finest whiskies in the world.”
McKechnie continued: “Each edition in this collection is a testament to the craftsmanship that has defined our liquid over the past 50 years. The unique characteristics of these rare casks come together to create a truly exceptional experience and set a new benchmark for our contribution to the rare and extraordinary whisky market at Balvenie.”
The bespoke packaging for all three editions has been designed by Cumbria-based craft workshop Croglin. They feature beautiful wooden case with a presentation plinth and 14 carat gold plating brass display pieces.
The Balvenie Fifty Collection First Edition was launched on 7th August and is currently available exclusively at Harrods retailing for £42,500. A global launch at specially selected retailers is set to follow in September.
The final two editions in the collection are scheduled to be released in 2025 and 2026.
