Mit Glenfarclas holst Du Dir einen wuchtigen, würzigen und Sherry getriebenen Whisky ins Glas. Seit Generationen in der Hand der Familie Grant ist Glenfarclas heute eine der letzten Destillerien in schottischer Hand. Du bekommst einen ehrlichen, ungefärbten Whisky - einen echten Oldschool Scotch!
The Balvenie: The little sister has her own character.
Balvenie's single malt shows us how subtle the differences are that make up the character of a Scotch Whisky. From the outside, shouldn't Balvenie taste like Glenfiddich? Both distilleries are owned by the same Grant family. They are right next to each other on the same site in Dufftown in the heart of Speyside. Both use water from the same source, Robbie Dubh. They share the coppersmith, the cooperage and, until recently, even the master distiller: David Stewart. Nevertheless, Balvenie is in no way a second Glenfiddich, but has a style all of its own. Maybe it's because of the stills that used to come second hand from Lagavulin and Glen Albyn. Perhaps the delicately peated malt that gives Balvenie whiskys their own character. All we know is that the honeyed Speyside whisky is a wonderful malt. Balvenie is a treat for both whisky novices and experienced connoisseurs.
What does balvenie mean? The translation of the name Balvenie is "settlement of happiness". A fitting name, don't you think?
Where is Balvenie? The Balvenie Distillery is located on the outskirts of Dufftown in the Speyside region. This in turn is located in the north-east of Scotland.
3 reasons to love Balvenie
1) Because little sisters don't always have it easy either.
2) Because master distiller David Stewart is a legend. And a very kind person.
3) Because hardly any single malt uses smoke with so much finesse.
A bit of history about Balvenie
Balvenie was built by William J. Grant in 1892 and has remained in the family ever since. The first distillate flowed from the stills on May 1, 1893. In 1957 two more stills were added. In 1965 and 1971 the distillery was renovated and expanded. Balvenie now has 11 stills. Which is unusual – because you usually come across even numbers here. The shape of the bottles changed significantly in 1993, when the distinctive "brandy carafes" were replaced by the bulbous bottles still in use today.
How does Balvenie whisky taste?
In terms of taste, Balvenie is probably closer to the honey-sweet Highland Malt Dalwhinnie than its own brother Glenfiddich: very full, round, warm, with delicate smoke and clear honey tones.
Our Balvenie recommendations
The Balvenie 12 year old Double Wood is probably one of the mildest single malt whiskys in Scotland and belongs in every bar. If you want to experience a fruitier twist, grab the Balvenie 14 year old Caribbean Cask with an exotic rum cask finish. A tasty addition to the smooth Speyside Malt.
Facts & figures about Balvenie
Address: Dufftown, Banffshire, AB55 4DH
Founded: 1892 by William J. Grant
Region: Speyside Whisky
Owner: Grant family (William Grant & Sons Ltd.)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Smoke: Part unpeated/ non-smoky, part lightly peated/ slightly smoky
Status: active
Capacity: approx. 7,000,000 liters
Stills: 5 wash stills (12,729 l / 9,092 l), 6 spirit stills (12,729 l)
Washbacks: 9 Douglas spruce, 5 stainless steel
Mashtun: Full Lauter, 11.8 tons
Water: Robbie Dubh Springs
Visitor Centre: Yes
Telephone: +44 (0)1340 / 820373
Website: www.thebalvenie.com
Directions to the Balvenie Distillery
picture credits/ source of photos: Leon Schuster, Malt Mariners
