The Balvenie is the perfect single malt to handcraft your perfect winter comfort cocktail.
Its rich, honeyed expressions will add a distinctive touch of luxury to all your relaxing moments.
If the weather outside is dipping below freezing, if there’s snowmaggedon that keeps you from going place to place – don’t fret, because The Balvenie has all the right ingredients to enjoy in the warmth of your home.
The story of The Balvenie distillery is a captivating journey through time, blending centuries-old traditions with innovative practices that have shaped the world of Scotch whisky. Founded in 1892 by William Grant, who had already established the renowned Glenfiddich distillery just six years prior, The Balvenie began its life under the name Glen Gordon. It was soon rechristened after the nearby Balvenie Castle, and on May 1, 1893, the first drops of what would become one of Scotland’s most respected single malts flowed from its stills.
What sets The Balvenie apart in the landscape of Scottish distilleries is its commitment to traditional whisky-making methods. In an age of automation and outsourcing, The Balvenie stands as one of the few distilleries in Scotland that still grows and malts a portion of its own barley. The sight of a working floor maltings at the distillery is a rare one in modern Scotland, harking back to a time when such practices were commonplace. This dedication to craft extends to the maintenance of an on-site cooperage and coppersmith, ensuring that centuries-old skills continue to shape every bottle produced.
The evolution of The Balvenie has been marked by careful expansion and groundbreaking innovation. The distillery saw significant growth in the mid-20th century, with the number of stills doubling from two to four in 1957, followed by further expansions in 1965 and 1971. However, it wasn’t until 1973 that The Balvenie released its first official bottling as a single malt, having primarily contributed to blended whiskies before that time.
Perhaps one of the most significant contributions The Balvenie has made to the world of whisky came in 1993 with the introduction of DoubleWood. This pioneering expression helped popularize the concept of “finished” single malts, where the whisky undergoes a secondary maturation in a different type of cask. This innovation has since become widespread in the industry, cementing The Balvenie’s reputation as a forward-thinking distillery.
Central to The Balvenie’s success story is David C. Stewart MBE, who joined William Grant & Sons in 1962 at the tender age of 17. Rising to become Balvenie’s Malt Master, Stewart is credited with developing the wood finishing process that has become a hallmark of the distillery’s offerings. His contributions to the Scotch whisky industry were recognized at the highest level when he received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II in 2016.
The Balvenie’s unique combination of reverence for tradition and appetite for innovation has propelled it to become one of the fastest-growing single malt brands globally. As it continues to write new chapters in its storied history, The Balvenie remains a testament to the enduring appeal of craftsmanship and quality in the world of fine spirits.
SCOTCHES & SERVES TO ELEVATE YOUR ENTERTAINING
SPEYSIDE TONIC: FEATURING THE BALVENIE DOUBLEWOOD 12 YEAR OLD
The Speyside Tonic is a holiday cocktail guaranteed to impress with a refreshingly inviting embrace to the festive season. With the warming layers and fruity undertones of The Balvenie DoubleWood 12, the crisp fruitiness of Calvados, and the slightly dry and flavour of tonic, this cocktail plates a refreshing start to celebratory evenings. It pairs perfectly alongside a handcrafted cheese and charcuterie board.
- 35ml The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old
- 30ml Fino Sherry
- 5ml Calvados
- 100ml London Essence Tonic
- Nocellara Olives garnish
Pour all ingredients into a chilled and ice filled glass. Briefly stir with a bar spoon and garnish with a few nocellara olives.
DUFFTOWN BODEGA: FEATURING THE BALVENIE SWEET TOAST OF AMERICAN OAK
Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie created The Balvenie Sweet Toast of American Oak with imported Virgin Oak barrels from Kentucky, deeply toasted at The Balvenie Cooperage, filled with Balvenie aged in ex-bourbon barrels. The classic Balvenie flavour is enhanced by even stronger, sweeter coconut and warm honey notes, producing a complex whisky with incandescent notes of caramelized fruits, delicate vanilla and oak.
Oozing with elegance, this elevated rendition of an Old Fashioned is designed to impress. Like silk to taste, indulge in dark chocolate and nuttiness from the Pedro Ximénez as it complements the spicy notes of The Balvenie Sweet Toast of American Oak.
- 50ml The Balvenie Sweet Toast of American Oak
- 10ml Pedro Ximénez Sherry
- Barspoon sugar (2.5ml)
- 2 dash Angostura Bitters
In a mixing glass, stir all ingredients with ice until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass with a king cube. Garnish with an orange twist and piece of dark chocolate.
THE BALVENIE PORTWOOD 21 – NEAT POUR
The Balvenie PortWood 21 Year Old, a marriage of rare Balvenie transferred to port pipes previously holding fine port wines, is renowned for its silky smooth complexity. A rich, warming neat pour of The Balvenie PortWood 21 offers a luxurious experience, perfect for those seeking to impress with timeless elegance during the most festive time of year. With notes of fruit, honey, and spice, this indulgent single malt is the ideal choice for toasting the serene charm of snow-draped Canadian winter.
