Hyperbole abounds; who can blame the marketers? These days, superlatives sell—"The Best Thing Ever"; "World's Oldest"; "Number One"—because there's FOMO attached to it. Wouldn't you like to be the only one in the world to have that only thing no one else have? Wouldn't you like to be special?

But sift through the claims and you'd find some are exactly as advertised. Hyperbole, sure but it is also true. Like The Fifty Collection from The Balvenie.

For a distillery with a rep for its slow alchemy of wood, spirit and time, rarity is an inevitability. Composed as a trilogy—the First, Second and (the upcoming )Third Editions—The Balvenie’s Fifty Collection draws from its long years of maturation know-how. This running line of technique, stewardship and choice, is the common thread through the distillery’s 50 years.

For its Second Edition, Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie took a 1973-filled European Oak Refill Butt (also used for its First Edition) and married it with an American Oak Hogshead cask also filled in 1973. It's an interesting union, one that resulted in tastes like molten dates and sweet soft currants; a mild citrus zest is a common refrain on the tongue. There's an enduring finish of creamy, buttery honey. At 49.8 per cent ABV, the liquid is limited to 97 bottles worldwide.

Crafted by Croglin, a Cumbian bespoke craft workshop, the bottle is presented in a wooden packaging that has a helix structure of seven wood layers, and a 14-carat gold-plated brass display. The Balvenie's Second Edition is available exclusively through The Distillers Library.

With years of craftsmanship and Job-like patience, The Balvenie's Fifty Collection. Stay tune for the third and final edition happening in 2026.