The Balvenie Distillery Adds Two New Whiskies for Festive Season
The Balvenie Distillery is enhancing the festive season with the release of two new expressions. Adding to the Revelation of Cask and Character, and Rare Discovery from Distant Shores Stories collection, which rolled out in 2019. The Speyside-based whisky maker has decided to close 2023 with style.
The Balvenie has a cooperage on site, giving them the opportunity to experiment with different casks. A Revelation of Cask and Character emphasizes the importance of coopering: the oak cask provides 75% of the aromas and flavors of whisky.
Inside The Two New Whiskies for the Festive Season
In a note to the press, Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie said, “A Revelation of Cask and Character represents Ian’s work with Spanish bodegas” in this new whisky. The festive season celebrations can continue with the two new flavors. The Revelation has an aroma that is smooth and honeyed, similar to The Balvenie. It is blended with layers of candied fruit, spices, and toffee, resulting in a classic Speyside dram with an exotic twist.
A Rare Discovery from Distant Shores is a 27-year-old whisky. It was aged in American oak for 20 years before being finished in Trinidad ex-Caroni rum casks for a further seven years. The distillery has been using rum casks for about 20 years, but it’s the first time they’ve used Caroni rum casks. David Stewart met John Barrett, a rum bottler, in the early 2000s and the idea to age in these casks was born.
Caroni rum samples had been introduced by the latter to Stewart, who was immediately captivated by the cult rum. Despite the Caroni distillery in Trinidad closing in 2002, there were still stocks left, so Stewart and his team managed to obtain casks of Caroni rum.
Charles Metcalfe, The Balvenie’s global brand ambassador, said:
“These spirits are a tribute to the expertise and skill of the team that develops our whisky, as well as [our] legacy of innovation and craftsmanship”.
“The limited quantity of the two expressions means they will only be available for two years, making them a great collectible and a story worth capturing.”