Two new expressions roll out to UK retail market
DUFFTOWN whisky brand The Balvenie has announced the launch of its new series of expressions, two of which are set to roll out to general retail.
Dubbed The Balvenie: A Collection of Curious Casks, the four new expressions in the range aim to bring to life the environment of The Balvenie’s warehouses, which the brand said lies at the heart of this release.
While four new drams have rolled out as part of the series, only two of these will be available to general retail, with one exclusive to global travel retail and the other an exclusive to the distillery’s shop.
The two set for the off-trade consist of a 14 Year Old American Bourbon Barrel launch as well as the more premium 18 Year Old French Pineau Cask – a kind of fortified wine from the south west region of France.
The final two to make up the range are The Balvenie 11 Year Old Hungarian Red Wine Cask, available via global travel retail, and The Balvenie 17 Year Old Spanish Oak Cask, which is the distillery exclusive launch.
The A Collection of Curious Casks series comes about from the close collaboration between malt master Kelsey McKechnie and George Paterson, warehouse and samples coordinator, at The Balvenie who have worked together to select the key casks that have been used in the production of this range.
The new series makes up part of The Balvenie’s ever-expanding Stories Range, which includes three other bottlings from the brand – its 14 Year Old Week of Peat, 12 Year Old The Sweet Toast of American Oak and 19 Year Old A Revelation of Cask and Character.
Kelsey McKechnie, malt master at The Balvenie, said: “This collection exemplifies the rare and limited The Balvenie casks making their debut. Collaborating daily with talented craftspeople like George, who dedicates his time and expertise to our casks, is a privelege.
“I’m thrilled to share this opportunity with him, showcasing his knowledge of our warehouses.”
George Paterson, warehouse and samples coordinator at The Balvenie, said: “I have one of the best jobs in the world, working in our warehouses, monitoring special casks.
“Identifying hidden gems and bringing them to light is a true highlight and it is from these moments shared throughout history and relentless curiosity at The Balvenie that conversations come to life and brilliant ideas are born.”
