MADE BY HEART: CELEBRATING WORLD WHISKY DAY WITH THE CONNOISSEURS OF CRAFT

Raise a dram on World Whisky Day (May 20) with five handpicked single malt scotches
that make for a premium celebration, authentically handcrafted by The Balvenie

Whisky, also affectionately defined as the “water of life,” is a historical spirit that has been authentically crafted and enjoyed for over 500 years. Each year during the third Saturday in May, fans of this beloved golden liquid toast to World Whisky Day – and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a dram of The Balvenie’s authentically handcrafted scotch whisky from Speyside.

In the production of all its handcrafted whiskies, The Balvenie stays true to its Five Rare Crafts, making whisky in a traditional and authentic fashion – the way it always has. With a combination of home-grown barley, a traditional malting floor, copper stills, cooperage and its Malt Master, David Stewart, The Balvenie process is that of meticulous expertise, skill, and ambition – making for a storied, unique character, bottled with each expression.

From the conception of their whiskies to the snifters of delighted consumers, it’s the dedication, commitment and heart that make each and every handcrafted bottle of The Balvenie extraordinary. On May 20th, we raise a glass to this scotch whisky made by heart and celebrate The Balvenie’s traditional five rare crafts with handpicked single malt scotches that make for an exceptional celebration.

THE BALVENIE DOUBLEWOOD 12 YEAR OLD

The Balvenie Doublewood gains its distinctive character from maturation in two different wood types, American Oak ex-bourbon barrels, and Spanish oak ex-Oloroso sherry casks. The traditional casks soften and add delicate character to the single malt scotch, while the sherry wood imparts depth and fullness of flavour. The final few months of maturation in The Balvenie’s tuns allow the characteristics to marry harmoniously.

Bottled at 40% ABV, Doublewood is smooth and mellow, beautifully enveloped with flavours of nutty sweetness, cinnamon spiciness, and a delicately proportioned layer of sherry. The single malt will lend its smooth, rich flavours to make for a remarkable celebratory dram.

THE BALVENIE CARIBBEAN CASK 14 YEAR OLD

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask boasts a rich, creamier profile derived from its maturation in traditional oak whisky casks for 14 years before being finished in ex-Caribbean rum casks. The resulting single malt is exceptionally smooth, with The Balvenie’s traditional honeyed character, married with notes of rich toffee and a hint of fruit, complimented by a warm, lingering finish, making this a dram to remember.

THE BALVENIE FRENCH OAK 16 YEAR OLD

The Balvenie French Oak embodies the Speyside distillery’s signature honeyed character, complimented by cask finishing in French Oak barrels. On the nose, the whisky lends balanced light florals, hints of fresh meadow grass and peeled apple skin. The palate delivers an energizing zing of tangy lemon rind, grapefruit, and delicate, subtle sweetness of glazed fruits.

THE BALVENIE SWEET TOAST OF AMERICAN OAK

Aged 12 years, Sweet Toast of American Oak was crafted from an inspiration to produce an even fruitier, sweeter Balvenie, using Virgin Oak barrels from Kentucky. Following a deep toasting at The Balvenie Cooperage, the barrels were filled with Balvenie aged in ex-bourbon barrels. The resulting whisky is delectably complex with notes of candied fruit, coconut, and delicate vanilla.

THE BALVENIE WEEK OF PEAT

Born from an eager experimentation at the hand of Ian Millar, The Balvenie’s Distillery Manager, upon returning from a trip to Islay – The Week of Peat was crafted by distilling a batch of peated malt for one week a year over 14 years. The resulting whisky is rich with The Balvenie’s signature notes of honey and vanilla, complimented with citrus and an extra layer of delicate smokiness.

The Balvenie range is available in select provinces across Canada. For specific availability, please contact your local retailer.

Media release and image provided by Brianna Carroll, Alchemysts Inc.