Balvenie
Balvenie is a wonderful single malt Scotch whisky from the heart of the famous Speyside whisky region. Flavours of honey, garden fruit, sweet malt and the occasional hint of smoke are typical of Balvenie whiskies. The smooth Speyside malt shares a site with its big sibling, the Glenfiddich Distillery. Both are owned by the Grant family, who have been producing first-class single malt whisky in Dufftown for generations. Despite the size of the company, Balvenie is still family-owned, which is a rarity in Scotland today. To familiarise yourself with the distillery, we recommend the Balvenie 12 Year Old Double Wood. Fancy even more fruity flavours? Then the Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask with an exotic rum cask finish is the right whisky for you.
Content: 0.7 Liter (€65.70* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€89.27* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.04 Liter (€149.75* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€108.56* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€348.56* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€74.27* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.04 Liter (€224.75* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€85.70* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€999.99* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€214.27* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.04 Liter (€299.75* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€72.83* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€157.13* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€65.70* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€485.70* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€92.84* / 1 Liter)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€457.13* / 1 Liter)
The Balvenie: The little sister has its own character.
The single malt from Balvenie shows us how subtle the differences are that make up the character of a Scotch whisky. Because from the outside, shouldn't Balvenie actually taste like Glenfiddich? Both distilleries belong to the same Grant family. They are located right next to each other on the same site in Dufftown in the heart of Speyside. Both use water from the same spring, Robbie Dubh. They share the boilermakers, 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. Perhaps this is due to the stills, which once came "second hand" from Lagavulin and Glen Albyn. Perhaps it's the delicately peated malt that gives Balvenie whiskies their own character. All we know is that the honey-sweet Speyside whisky is a wonderful malt. For whisky novices and experienced connoisseurs alike, Balvenie is a delight.
What does Balvenie mean? The translation of the name Balvenie is "settlement of happiness". A fitting name, we think.
Where is Balvenie? The Balvenie Distillery is located on the outskirts of Dufftown in the Speyside region. This in turn lies in the north-east of Scotland.
3 reasons to love Balvenie
1) Because little sisters don't always have it easy.
2) Because master distiller David Stewart is a legend. And nice.
3) Because hardly any other single malt uses smoke with so much sensitivity.
What does Balvenie whisky taste like?
In terms of flavour, Balvenie is probably closer to the honey-sweet Highland malt Dalwhinnie than to its own brother Glenfiddich: very full, round, warm, with delicate smoke and clear honey tones.
Our Balvenie recommendation
The Balvenie 12 Year Old Double Wood is probably one of the mildest single malt whiskies in Scotland and belongs in every bar. If you want to experience a fruitier twist, why not try the Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask with an exotic rum cask finish. A delicious addition to the smooth Speyside malt.
A little history on Balvenie
Balvenie was built in 1892 by William J. Grant and has remained in the family ever since. The first distillate flowed from the stills on 1 May 1893. Two more stills were added in 1957. The distillery was renovated and extended in 1965 and 1971. Balvenie now has 11 stills. Which is unusual - because you normally find even numbers here. The shape of the bottles was significantly changed in 1993, when the characteristic "brandy carafes" were replaced by the bulbous bottles that are still in use today.
Figures & facts about Balvenie
Address: Dufftown, Banffshire, AB55 4DH
Founded: in 1892 by William J. Grant
Region: Speyside Whisky
Owner: Grant family (William Grant & Sons Ltd.)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Smoke: Parts Unpeated/ Unpeated/ Not smoky, partly lightly peated/ slightly smoky
Status: active
Capacity: approx. 7,000,000 litres
Distillation stills: 5 wash stills (12,729 l / 9,092 l), 6 spirit stills (12.729 l)
Washbacks: 9 made of Douglas fir, 5 made of stainless steel
Mashtun: Full Lauter, 11.8 tonnes
Water: Robbie Dubh Springs
Visitor Centre: Yes
Phone: +44 (0)1340 / 820373
Website: www.thebalvenie.com