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Balvenie50 bottle

August 9, 2024 — If you don’t have beaucoup bucks under the mattress, don’t bother reading.

The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky has launched one of its rarest releases, The Balvenie Fifty.  This is the First Edition of what will be a trilogy with the Second and Third Editions being released in 2025 and 2026.

Only 125 bottles of each Edition will be released globally with only 14 bottles reserved specifically for the United States.  The suggested retail is $53,000 per bottle.

So, what makes The Balvenie Fifty so special?

The First Edition is a unique single cask expression aged in a European oak refill butt, filled in 1973 and hand-selected by Malt Master, Kelsey McKechnie. The Second Edition will introduce an American oak hogshead cask filled in 1973 to marry with the first, and finally, a third cask filled in 1974, an American oak barrel, will be added to complete the marriage for the final Third Edition.

The inaugural expression from The Balvenie Fifty Collection showcases the depth and complexity of the spirit influenced by the European oak cask while maintaining The Balvenie’s classic sweet honey style, even after 50 years of maturation.

Balvenie50_bottle package, glasses

“Each Edition in this collection is a testament to the craftsmanship that has defined our liquid over the past 50 years,” said Kelsey McKechnie. “The unique characteristics of these rare casks come together to create a truly exceptional experience and set a new benchmark for our contribution to the rare and extraordinary whisky market at The Balvenie. Using a refill butt for the First Edition provides us with a distinctive flavor thread that will run through our next two releases, demonstrating the spectrum of flavors and aromas in our aged spirit. It is a celebration of our legacy, our passion, and our unwavering commitment to producing some of the finest whiskies in the world.”

Some of the craftspeople who came together in 1973, with former Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE to fill the first cask, still work at The Balvenie today. 

The Balvenie Fifty Collection is enhanced further by the exquisite packaging developed by a bespoke craft workshop based in Cumbria. Each presentation contains over 100 intricate elements, including a four-layer wood helix and beautifully crafted 14 carat gold plated brass display.

Tasting Notes:

● ABV: 52.3% / Cask Number: 8720

● Nose: Elegant and captivating. Aromas of deep fruits, cassis and candied apricots, layered atop delicate cedar and a warming nutty spice.

● Taste: Exceptional. The Balvenie, flavors of caramelized fruits, rich spice and soft vanilla marry together with a delicate ginger spice and citrus zing.

For more information, visit www.thebalvenie.com or @thebalvenie on social media.

Balvenie50 bottle

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