Speyside distillery the Balvenie has announced a new series, the Balvenie Fifty Collection, a trilogy of whiskies to be released annually over the next three years. Just 125 bottles will be released of each edition.
The inaugural release in the collection is the First Edition, a single cask expression aged in a refill European oak cask, which was filled in 1973. Each edition will marry with the one before: for the Second Edition, whisky aged in a American oak hogshead cask also filled in 1973 will marry with the First Edition; for the Third Edition an American oak cask filled in 1974 will then be married with the former two editions.
The journey of the Fifty Collection began in 1973, when then-malt master David Stewart’s team laid down the first casks, which would be later selected by current malt master Kelsey McKechnie.
McKechnie commented: “Each edition in this collection is a testament to the craftsmanship that has defined our liquid over the past 50 years. 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 Balvenie.
“Using a refill butt for the First Edition in this collection provides us with a distinctive flavour thread that will run through our next two releases, demonstrating the spectrum of flavours 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."
The First Edition launches on 7 August in the UK via Harrods. The brand says the whisky has the Balvenie’s “classic sweet honey style”, and notes of cassis, candied apricots, nutty and ginger spices, and citrus. The Second Edition and Third Edition will follow in 2025 and 2026.
The Balvenie joins other Scotch distilleries releasing whiskies with half-century age statements this year, including fellow Speysider Benriach and Highland distillery Loch Lomond.
The Balvenie Fifty First Edition (52.3% ABV) is available in the UK exclusively at Harrods. A global release to specialist retailers will launch from 12 September 2024.
