Thursday, October 27, 2016

BALVENIE ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF THE SECOND CHAPTER IN ITS DCS COMPENDIUM SERIES

The Balvenie, has announced the launch of the second chapter of its DCS Compendium series, comprising of five rare single malt whiskies, which are said to highlight the complex manner in which different oak barrels influence the flavour of the spirit during the maturation process.
 
The DCS Compendium is Balvenie Malt Master David Stewart MBE’s, handover of his knowledge in both written and liquid form, that will see 25 rare and vintage casks released over five years. The Balvenie DCS Compendium captures the breadth of David’s achievement and contributions to the industry and his craft.
The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two

This latest collection, which follows on from the launch of the first DCS Chapter in October 2015, is comprised of:
 
The Balvenie 1972 Aged 43 years – Cask 13134 (52.4% ABV)
European oak Oloroso sherry butt, filled 31st October 1972.
 
The Balvenie 1990 Aged 25 years – Cask 2790 (59.6% ABV)
European oak Oloroso sherry butt, filled 3rd October 1990.
 
The Balvenie 1990 Aged 26 years – Cask 7359 (52.9% ABV)
First fill American oak bourbon barrel, filled 1st May 1990.
 
The Balvenie 1997 Aged 19 years – Cask 7951 (61.8% ABV)
European oak port puncheon, filled 6th August 1997.

The Balvenie 2001 Aged 15 Years – Cask 9328 (62.3% ABV)
European oak Pedro Ximénez sherry butt, filled 25th April 2001.

Following this latest DCS compendium release, a further three will be released annually until 2019, each featuring five individual casks that correspond with a certain theme; 2017 - Chapter Three: Secrets of the Stock Model, 2018 - Chapter Four: Expecting the Unexpected and 2019 - Chapter Five: Malt Master’s indulgence.

David Stewart, pioneered double cask maturation/finishing during his 54 year career at The Balvenie, a legacy most notably fulfilled in The Balvenie 12 Year Old DoubleWood.  DCS Chapter Two, is said to showcase his vast knowledge and unrivalled expertise in understanding this process.

Commenting on the launch David Stewart, said: “As a Malt Master, I’m very lucky to have been trusted to experiment with different cask finishes and even try out my own techniques to see how they effect the distinctive honeyed characteristics of The Balvenie. Understanding how the oak and the previous spirit, or fortified wine held by the cask influences the whisky is a very important part of my job.”

He went on to say: “This chapter highlights the complexity of flavours each expression takes from wood. I love the results from the older Oloroso sherry butt, which has produced a whisky with a fantastic floral and fruity nose, followed by a wonderful honeyed sweetness. The whisky taken from the 2001 Pedro Ximénez sherry butt is unusual, it shows The Balvenie as a near liqueur with toffee sweetness and a touch of spicy ginger.”

Limited to just 20 collections, The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two, will be available later this month from specially selected, special retailers for a RRP of £20,000.

Posted by Steve Rush