Introducing a captivating new addition to The Balvenie Stories range, A Rare Discovery from Distant Shores. This extraordinary expression of The Balvenie has aged gracefully for 27 years, revealing enchanting notes of muscovado sugar and manuka honey.
Like all offerings within the Stories collection, this exquisite bottling brings to life a tale of creativity, innovation, and friendship that paved the way for its creation. The narrative begins with The Balvenie Malt Master, David C. Stewart, and his long-time friend, John Barrett. John had a hunch that he had stumbled upon something truly exceptional when he introduced David to samples of Caroni Rum.
David and his team recognized the potential, driven by their creativity and wealth of experience. In 2014, they made the audacious decision to transfer some 20-year-old Balvenie whisky from its customary American oak Hogshead casks into Caroni Rum casks sourced by John. The result was a rum finish unlike any other, and the additional 7 years spent maturing in these ex-Caroni rum casks transformed and elevated the whisky's flavor profile into something truly extraordinary—a Rare Discovery from Distant Shores.
This whisky is presented in a meticulously crafted presentation tube, featuring a bespoke illustration by British artist and printmaker Andy Lovell. Andy Lovell, a long-time collaborator with The Balvenie, has created an illustration that visually encapsulates the unique real-life stories that inspired this exceptional expression.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:
Nose: Rich and indulgent with notes of muscovado sugar and manuka honey. Lighter fruit notes intersperse the aroma with occasional hints of green banana and light spice.
Palate: Beautifully smooth with a velvet vanilla viscosity. The initial burst of sweetness graduates to treacle toffee, aged lather and deep oak tannin.
Finish: Lingering sweet with a wonderful mouth coating oiliness.