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Over 50 years of craftsmen, embodying the true expression of single malt whisky. Balvenie’s rich heritage and enduring dedication to its five rare crafts has unveiled The Balvenie Fifty Collection, which is a homage to one of the distillery’s rarest and most exquisite collections to date. From this prestigious collection, a single rare bottle has found its way to the Middle East and is now exclusively available in the UAE.
The First Edition of The Balvenie Fifty Collection is an essential heirloom. The single cask whisky was aged for 50 years in a European oak refill butt, filled in 1973 and carefully chosen by McKechnie. A true collectable, only 125 bottles will be released each year for the next three years. In 2025, the Second Edition will feature a 1974 American oak barrel, skillfully blended with the original cask. The final chapter of this exclusive trilogy will arrive in 2026, completing the limited series.
On the occasion, Kelsey McKechnie, Malt Master, said:
“Each Edition in this collection is a testament to the craftsmanship that has defined our liquid over the past 50 years. The unique charachteristics 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.
Using a refill butt for the First Edition in this collection provides us with a distinctive flavour thread that will run through our next two releases, demonstrating the spectrum of flavours and aromas in our aged spirit. It is a celebration of our legacy, our passion, and our unwavering commitment to producing some of the finest whiskies in the world.”
The Balvenie Fifty Collection began in 1973 when former Malt Master David Stewart curated the first cask, starting decades of craftsmanship. Today, Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie continues the legacy, expertly blending casks to create a unique and complex flavor for each edition.
The First Edition, aged in European oak for five decades, showcases deep fruit aromas, sweet honey notes, and hints of cedar and spice. The palate offers caramelized fruits, vanilla, and a touch of ginger with a citrus finish.
Adding to its rarity, the packaging, designed by Croglin, featuring over 100 bespoke elements, including a helix structure made of wood and a 14-carat gold plated brass display. The First Edition launched exclusively at Harrods on August 7, 2024, and is available at select retailers worldwide.
