Celebrating a half-century of distinguished craftsmanship, The Balvenie introduces the Balvenie Fifty Collection, an ultra-rare, limited edition series of single malt whiskies. This collection marks a significant milestone for the renowned Speyside distillery, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and dedication that have defined its legacy over the past 50 years.
The Balvenie Fifty Collection made its exclusive debut at Harrods, one of the world’s most prestigious department stores. This meticulously curated collection has been crafted under the discerning eye of malt master Kelsey McKechnie. Over the next three years, only 125 bottles from each of the three editions will be released, making this a truly unique offering for whisky connoisseurs and collectors alike.
A Journey Through Time: The Editions
The first edition of the Balvenie Fifty Collection is a single cask expression aged in a European oak refill butt, filled in 1973. This rare whisky offers a rich tapestry of aromas and flavours, characterised by deep fruits, cassis, and candied apricots, complemented by notes of cedar and a warming nutty spice. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious blend of caramelised fruits, spice, and vanilla, with a hint of ginger spice and citrus zing.
The second edition, set to launch in 2025, introduces a second American oak hogshead cask filled in 1973, which will be married with the first cask. The final edition, to be released in 2026, will add a third American oak barrel cask filled in 1974, completing this extraordinary trilogy.
Exquisite Craftsmanship
The presentation of the Balvenie Fifty Collection is a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence. Each edition features exquisite packaging developed by Croglin, a bespoke craft workshop based in Cumbria. The presentation box is a masterpiece in itself, comprising over 100 different elements, including a helix structure crafted from four layers of wood and a beautifully crafted 14-carat gold-plated brass display.
A Testament to Legacy and Passion
Kelsey McKechnie, the mastermind behind this exceptional collection, shared her admiration for the craftsmanship involved in creating these whiskies. “Each edition in this collection is a testament to the craftsmanship that has defined our liquid over the past 50 years,” said McKechnie. “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.”
McKechnie further emphasised the significance of this release, stating, “It is a celebration of our legacy, our passion, and our unwavering commitment to producing some of the finest whiskies in the world.”
Exclusive Availability
The first edition of the Balvenie Fifty Collection is now available for purchase exclusively at Harrods. Whisky enthusiasts and collectors eagerly await the release of the second and third editions in 2025 and 2026, respectively. This collection not only represents a remarkable achievement in the world of whisky but also solidifies The Balvenie’s position as a leader in the industry, dedicated to the art of crafting exceptional single malts.
