Overview: The Balvenie has announced the release of its oldest single malt Scotch whisky ever, aged for 88 years inside a barrel. This extraordinary expression surpasses the previous record held by an 85-year-old Glenlivet and is part of the 1931 Collection.
The Full Story
Today, the Balvenie announced its oldest single malt ever, eclipsing the 85-year Glenlivet that was bottled by Gordon & MacPhail last year. The whisky spent a whopping 88 years inside the barrel before being bottled in 2019 by Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie after nearly a century in the warehouse. First poured into a refilled Spanish sherry oak cask on March 5, 1931, this specific barrel was realized to have reached maturity by the current Malt Master.
The 88-year Scotch will only be released in a 17-bottle run, available to private clients and collectors only. It also helps launch a 1931 Collection, featuring the 12- and 15-year whiskies. Few will be able to taste this impressive whisky, but the brand has said it hits honey, mint leaf and buttery fudge on the nose. As for the palate, notes of creamy toffee, honey, warm spice and oak are present before giving way to a long and dry finish.
Production & Profile
The spirit was first poured into a refilled Spanish sherry oak cask on March 5, 1931. After resting in the distillery’s warehouse for nearly a century, Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie bottled the liquid in 2019 as it got ready to wait just a few more years for its ultimate reveal. The bottle is presented in a sculpture created by artist Daniel Arsham, crafted from hand-patinated bronze with eight layers on the front representing each decade and 88 layers of oak on the back. Sandwiched between is a copper disc made from a still that was formerly used to make whisky.
Brand & Industry History
Prior to the 20th century, whisky was typically matured in barrels because it had to be stored and transported, not because producers were deliberately pursuing 20-, 30-, or 50-year-old stock. By the 1920s and ‘30s, Scotch producers and independent bottlers began retaining older casks from distilleries. Companies such as Gordon & MacPhail were particularly important because they began acquiring new-make spirits from distilleries and laying them down for unusually long periods. In the ‘50s and ‘60s, distilleries like the Macallan and Glenfarclas started turning ultra-aged whiskies into premium bottles and simultaneously began laying down more barrels for their own futures.
What This Means
This new expression is likely to be the oldest single malt Scotch ever available on the market. The Balvenie has achieved something beyond the mere intent to age a barrel for a long period of time. After 88 years, a distillery also has to get lucky that any one of its casks is even worthy of bottling in the first place. That is to say, not over-oaked, still drinkable and, legally, still above 40% ABV.
Consumer Takeaway
The bottle’s packaging was designed by artist Daniel Arsham, featuring patinated bronze, oak and a piece of a former copper still. The Balvenie is only releasing 17 bottles available only to private clients and collectors. No price has been given for this 88-year-old single malt Scotch whisky.
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