Balvenie Stories The Sweet Toast Of American Oak 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

The Balvenie Distillery was first founded back in 1892 by William Grant a cattle herder from the upper reaches of the River Deveron. Having previously worked at the Mortlach Distillery where he was employed as a clerk and then a manager. This is where he learned the distilling trade and was quick to catch on to how successful you could become. David Stewart the Balvenie Malt Master is one of the industries most experienced whisky experts. David created the process wood finishing and changed the industry and the the flavour of whisky.

Craftspeople have worked at this distillery for over centuries and they all have great stories. The Balvenie Stories editions are about these stories and tell them in a way that your palate can understand them. You are taken to a part of this distilleries history and share a memorable moment that made the whisky so desirable across the world. This edition of The Balvenie Stories focuses on a conversation with Ian McDonald at the Balvenie Cooperage. Ian is now celebrating his 15th year at The Balvenie and now spends his time mentoring apprentices. This whisky is about Ian’s stories and the unique toasting process of the casks at the distilleries Cooperage. It’s also a story about the journey of the American Oak casks which is told by Apprentice Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie. She chats about her unique learnings from one of the most respected Malt Masters in the industry. Kelsey was inspired to create an even fruitier whisky so she imported Virgin Oak barrels from Kentucky. She deep toasted the barrels at the Cooperage and filled them with Balvenie whisky which had previously been matured in ex bourbon oak. The result is a whisky full of candied tropical fruits and delicate vanilla.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Vanilla fudge and layers of citrus and malted barley. Spices of ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Palate: Dried citrus peels, vanilla toffee, creamy butterscotch, honey sweetness, raw cake mix and Christmas cake spices.

Finish: Toasted oak, vanilla and spice.