This 30-year-old single malt whisky is not just a drink, it is a reflection of unparalleled craftsmanship. Each drop embodies decades of dedication and meticulous attention to detail, carefully nurtured under the watchful eyes of David Stewart, a legend in the whisky world. With over six decades of experience, Stewart has selected only the most exceptional casks to craft a whisky of remarkable depth and complexity. A harmonious blend of American and European oak casks, this whisky offers rich notes of sweetness, dark chocolate, and a delicate, lingering hint of spice.
But The Balvenie 30 also represents a legacy and a dialogue between generations. Kelsey McKechnie, The Balvenie’s current malt master, has honed her craft under Stewart’s mentorship, ensuring that the traditions of old seamlessly blend with modern innovation, preserving a rich heritage for the future.
For whisky connoisseurs, The Balvenie 30 is a symphony of taste. Its silky sweetness unfolds into layers of rich honey, mellow oak, and hints of candied orange peel. On the palate, dark chocolate, plum, marzipan, and caramelised pear intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. The whisky’s exceptionally smooth finish, with lingering sweetness and gentle spice, makes it an indulgent treat for any occasion.
Packaged in a soft goat leather cylinder, its luxurious design reflects the craftsmanship inside the bottle. Detailed with a pattern inspired by the distillery, the packaging echoes the unfurling of flavour during the whisky’s marrying process, a visual testament to The Balvenie’s devotion to detail.
Under the stewardship of William Grant & Sons, an independent family-owned distiller founded in 1887, The Balvenie continues to push boundaries while preserving its heritage. The Grant family has produced some of the world’s most celebrated spirits, with The Balvenie standing as a shining example of how tradition and human craft can create something truly extraordinary.
The Balvenie Maker’s Project: A ‘Convergence’ of art and whisky
The Balvenie also celebrates craftsmanship through The Maker’s Project, a global initiative that champions the art of making across various fields. This project highlights the essential human touch in crafting excellence – the same spirit that transforms something merely good into something exceptional. As Jyri Pylkkänen, The Balvenie’s regional malts brand ambassador for Southeast Asia, beautifully puts it, “At The Balvenie, we believe that the maker is just as important as the product.” This ethos is key to their mission of inspiring future generations of artisans to embrace both tradition and innovation.
In Malaysia, The Balvenie’s collaboration with renowned designer Edward Tan illustrates this philosophy perfectly. Tan, whose career has spanned continents, created a stunning sculpture inspired by The Balvenie Thirty. Crafted from copper, the 30-layered design represents the time, patience, and passion that defines both whisky-making and artistic creation. Tan’s work draws parallels between the iconic copper stills used in distilling and the beauty of crafting something by hand.
As Tan eloquently states, “Every masterpiece starts with a single idea — an idea that evolves, shifts, and takes shape, much like the journey of crafting a fine single malt whisky.” His sculpture, titled Convergence, captures the essence of The Balvenie’s dedication to craftsmanship, blending tradition with innovation in a visually striking piece.
Convergence was revealed during an elegant dinner at Sabayon EQ Kuala Lumpur, hosted by Pylkkänen and curated by chef Steve. The event was a celebration not only of The Balvenie 30 but also of artistry and luxury. Tan’s sculpture, crafted using an original oak cask, mirrored the smooth and refined flow of The Balvenie’s single malt, capturing the whisky’s texture and depth. The artwork was auctioned for an impressive RM38,000, with proceeds donated to The Rojak Projek, a social enterprise promoting unity, culture, and diversity.
Guests at the event were also treated to a special tasting of The Balvenie 30, followed by an exquisite pairing of whisky and cuisine. The sensory experience revealed new dimensions of flavour, including the velvety sweetness of The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14, the vibrant notes of The Balvenie French Oak Cask aged 16 years, and the smooth honey and spice of The Balvenie 21 Portwood Cask.
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Images: The Balvenie
