Previously on the Stories Range...
We learned about the many traditions the 130 year-old Single Malt continues to uphold, but more importantly, the power of stories when it comes to whisky. Especially when the signature technique of cask finishing (allowing the whisky to mature in a second cask type) was pioneered within this very house.
As poetically penned in Pursuit, a specialised brand book: This is when the more complex flavours are created, as spirit and oak enter a dialogue. Besides embodying further nuances, each expression carries an anecdote of how they came to be. This could originate from suggestions on a whim, or even pure accident. Which also means production volume is highly limited.
Think of it this way. If previous collections of the series belonged to a Season 1 of sorts under esteemed former Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE, The Balvenie now introduces you to Season 2 Episode 1: A Collection of Curious Casks.
As new Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie steps into the spotlight, the latest range celebrates her working partnership with Warehouse Master George Paterson. Honestly, the term 'new' is only customary when both craftsmen have been with the brand for a decade, and young McKechnie closely shadowing David C. Stewart MBE up to this point.
Between her inherited instincts for selecting casks and Paterson's extensive knowledge come these great stories.
The first of the two we got to savour is the American Bourbon Barrel 14. Originally destined for Single Barrel 12, the 14-year dream in Bourbon cask was distilled just after peat week, resulting in a whisper of smoke. We say whisper because it reads more of deep vanilla, roasted malt and the familiar candied orange peel.
The French Pineau Cask 18 carries a complex profile with layers of rich sweetness that we wouldn't describe as creamy but certainly dark and smooth like chocolate. It was in fact David C. Stewart MBE who commissioned the experimental choice of French Pineau casks, which never quite reached a suitable maturity. Eight years later under his apprentice's keen watch, the result was a wait that paid off.
Alongside Hungarian Red Wine Cask 11 and New Spanish Oak Cask 17, these are stories that showcase the enduring influence of time, a spirit of innovation and how a collaboration of a new generation can spell out a great future beyond the classics.
Whisky is great. I may not know enough about its complicated manufacturing processes, nor of the distinction between the numerous Scottish distilleries that pepper Speyside, but I know that each creation can be very individually nuanced.
As most fellow enjoyers of the smooth liquor, I am generally familiar with William Grant & Sons' widely-popular Glenfiddich, but lesser of its specialised sibling The Balvenie. Coming to learn of the small size yet longstanding tenure of its workforce—many of which spend their lifetimes tending their role—, it's clear that dedication to craft is a priority.
Besides one of a handful of distilleries in Scotland that grows its own barley and upholds traditional floor malting, The Balvenie was also pioneer to cask finishing at the helm of Malt Master David C. Stewart (MBE). Cask finishing, maturing whisky in a second cask previously housing another liquor type to create further palate complexity, is just one of the interesting tales to unfurl during the 130 year legacy.
So it's clever, regardless of possible marketing-driven motives, that the brand has a collection of these anecdotes bottled up. Originating from suggestions on a whim, or even pure accident, production volume of these creative expressions is highly limited.
Take, for instance, 'A Day of Dark Barley 26'; derived from a delivery error of dark roasted malted barley, commonly used for stout, that arrived at the Distillery in 1992.
The new expression, the mouthful ‘A Revelation of Cask and Character’, is the first in the range to be matured entirely in 100 percent European Oak sherry cask. It's a neat manifestation of the precious relationship the distillery has with its coopers, being among the few that keep cooperage on site. Fruit and nut naturally become the distinct notes, which make it an easy pairing for food.
And since 'A Day of Dark Barley 26' is no longer available, ‘A Rare Discovery from Distant Shores’ is an equally heady addition with 27 years of aging in Caroni rum casks. The signature honeyed taste gives way to richer and darker layers here. With the 48% ABV, do let it air longer before consumption.
Just as how every whisky has a unique hue (hold it up to the light; it's not half as pretentious as you think it is), storing and sharing their peculiar stories certainly makes each moment of savouring one of greater depth in significance and enjoyment.
