The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter 3, is said to highlight the way in which The Balvenie’s Malt Master, David C. Stewart MBE, uses his vast experience, knowledge and skill to control an ever-changing set of variables that impact the maturation of ageing whisky stocks.
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| The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter 3 |
The final expressions chosen for Chapter 3, each represent a year relevant to the evolution of The Balvenie and epitomise the critical decisions and skilful forecasting David has made throughout the years.
A 55 Year Old European oak Oloroso sherry hogshead from 1961, is the oldest whisky in the set. David describes it as ‘a perfect depiction of the style of whisky The Balvenie distilled around this time’. The 1973 European oak Oloroso sherry butt expression signifies the plentiful years of production during the whisky boom of the 1970s.
The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter 3, is comprised of:
1961 – 55 Year Old - Oloroso sherry hogshead - 41.7% ABV
1973 – 43 Year Old - Oloroso sherry butt - 46.6% ABV
1981 – 35 Year Old - Refill American oak hogshead - 43.8% ABV
1993 – 23 Year Old - Refill American oak hogshead - 51.9% ABV
2004 – 13 Year Old - Oloroso sherry butt - 58.2% ABV
Commenting on launch, David C. Stewart MBE, said: “In my role as Malt Master one of the most challenging and ultimately rewarding aspects is the management of our large and precious whisky stocks. This chapter is a tribute to the strategic decisions we’ve made over the years, as we look to control stock management variables such as industry demand, new innovations and of course the angels’ share.”
David went onto say: “Understanding these decisions and how they will affect the company in years to come has allowed me to experiment with different techniques and finishes, while still holding on to a significant amount of high quality mature whisky stock for future bottlings. I’m thrilled with the expressions chosen for this chapter and the significance they have in telling the history of The Balvenie.”
The Balvenie DCS Compendium, launched in 2015 with Chapter 1 ‘Distillery Style’, and was followed up last year by Chapter 2 ‘The Influence of Oak’. Following Chapter 3, a further two chapters; No.4 ‘Expecting the Unexpected’ and No.5 ‘Malt Master’s indulgence’ will follow subsequently in 2018 and 2019.
The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter 3, will be available later this month from specially selected, special retailers, for a RRP of £57,000.
Posted by Steve Rush