The Balvenie Fifty: Second Edition Unveils a Legacy of Whisky Craft

The Balvenie Distillery has launched the Fifty: Second Edition, a limited whisky that embodies five decades of craftsmanship and resilience. This release features Cask 8720, a European oak barrel that has matured since 1973. As whisky enthusiasts anticipate this unique expression, the distillery emphasizes its commitment to tradition and innovation.

Crafting a Legacy

The journey of Cask 8720 began in 1973, when it arrived from Spain under the care of apprentice cooper Ian McDonald. Originally intended for a decade of maturation, the cask remained untouched, quietly witnessing the evolution of The Balvenie. Throughout the 1980s, when many distilleries faced closure during the Whisky Loch crisis, The Balvenie persevered, guided by malt master David C Stewart, who pioneered the art of cask finishing.

As the whisky industry embraced automation in the 1990s and 2000s, The Balvenie maintained its dedication to traditional methods, including hand malting and in-house cooperage. The cask’s slow maturation stood in contrast to the bold experimentation that characterized this era. It was not until 2018, when Kelsey McKechnie joined the distillery, that the Rare Marriages series was developed, paving the way for the Fifty Collection.

A Unique Flavor Profile

The Balvenie Fifty: Second Edition artfully combines Cask 8720 with a long-aged American oak hogshead, also filled in 1973. This partnership results in a whisky that is rich, complex, and harmoniously balanced. Tasting notes reveal an opening of molten dates and soft currants, complemented by a hint of citrus zest. The palate is rounded out with creamy honey, leading to a buttery texture and silky sweetness.

Global brand ambassador for The Balvenie, Charlie Metcalfe, remarked, “With The Second Edition, we continue to showcase our makers’ commitment to perfecting their craft.” This release is particularly notable for the emerging whisky appreciation in regions like Southeast Asia.

The presentation of the whisky also speaks to its exclusivity. Each bottle is housed in a handcrafted display by Croglin, a bespoke workshop in Cumbria, England. The packaging features over 100 individual components, including a helix of seven wood layers each thinner than a tenth of a millimetre, and a 14-carat gold plated brass display.

With only 97 bottles available worldwide, The Balvenie Fifty: Second Edition is poised to attract collectors and connoisseurs alike. As the distillery invites whisky lovers to experience this storied sip, it also offers limited gifts to celebrate the launch.

In Singapore, the exclusive Distillers Library provides access to ultra-rare whiskies from the Grant family archives, including this latest offering. To further engage customers, The Balvenie has introduced promotions for twin-bottle purchases at select retailers, ensuring that this legacy continues to inspire and delight whisky enthusiasts around the globe.