Balvenie
This is a very distinctively different single malt whisky compared to the style of his sister distilleries Glenfiddich and Kininvie. The Balvenie Single Malt Whisky is characterized for its profound sweet and honey-like savors, which is reflected among others in the core-range flag ship whisky The Balvenie 12 Years Old Double Wood, and the rare The Balvenie 50 years old, one of the most expensive whiskies available.
The Balvenie Distillery was founded in 1892 by whisky legend William Grant, the owner of William Grant & Sons. Inspired by the success of his thriving Glenfiddich Distillery, Grant established another distillery nearby Glenfiddich not only to increase his concern’s production capacity, but mostly to have it extended with a new, different type of whisky. Guaranteeing quality was a highly valuated standard for William Grant.Therefore, he provided the Balvenie Distillery with used stills derived from other distilleries, not to save expenses but mostly to assure that the stills lived up to their expectations. William Grant acquired an old spirit still from the Glen Albyn Distillery and a wash still from Lagavulin.
According to The Balvenie’s distillery, the secret of Balvenie’s sweetness lies within the use of the signature thick, short-necked stills. But like most whisky enthusiasts know: when it comes down to the taste, even the smallest details can have a great influence. This was confirmed once again when William Grant established the Ailsa Bay Distillery, provided with identical stills as those used at the Balvenie Distillery. Yet, the spirit turned out anywhere but near the style of The Balvenie Single Malt Whisky.
William Grant passed away in the year 1923 and passed on his heritage and distilleries to his son John, who had The Balvenie Distillery completely renovated and expanded during the following years. The distillery was provided with electricity, a new malt kiln was installed, and the number of stills was doubled up. Until this day, The Balvenie is still owned by ts founders company William Grant & Sons, which is a very unique achievement in the whisky industry.
The Balvenie Distillery is currently at the helm of distillery manager Ian Millar and master blender David Steward, who has been involved in The Balvenie Distillery ever since the year 1962. David Steward is a true whisky legend with encyclopedic knowledge of both the distiller’s craftsmanship and The Balvenie Distillery, whose signature is represented on every single bottle of The Balvenie Single Malt Whisky!
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