The Balvenie has added a 14-Year-Old American Bourbon Barrel and an 18-Year-Old French Pineau Cask Finish to its Stories Range
Speyside whiskymaker The Balvenie has added two new whiskies to its iconic Stories Range, a 14-Year-Old American Bourbon Barrel and an 18-Year-Old French Pineau Cask Finish, under the name A Collection of Curious Casks. The two new additions were curated by the brand’s Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie.
The 14-year-old American Bourbon Barrel single malt Scotch delivers aromas of rich toffee and smouldering oak, leading to notes of citrus and honey. On the palate, candied orange peel blends with woody, earthy flavors, including roasted malt and deep vanilla oakiness, resulting in a long and lingering finish.
The French Pineau Cask is aged 10 years in a combination of ex-bourbon and European oak casks, followed by eight years in barrels that previously held wine from Charentes vineyards. The result is a single malt whisky with warm amber aromas of toasted oak and delicate spice, complemented by butterscotch and hints of ripe berries. On the palate, layers of spice and rich sweetness meld with vanilla and honey, revealing gentle oaky tannins that linger long after the first sip.
Each expression celebrates the friendship and collaborative effor of McKechnie and George Paterson, The Balvenie’s Warehouse and Samples Coordinator:
“This collection perfectly exemplifies the rare and limited Balvenie casks making their debut,” says McKechnie. “It is an honor to collaborate daily with talented craftspeople like George, who dedicates his time and craft to shepherding our casks to distinction and bringing our liquid to life. I am delighted to share this opportunity with him, showcasing his expertise and sharing his knowledge of our warehouses with the world.”
“Many would say that I have one of the best jobs in the world working in our warehouses, and drawing samples and monitoring those extra special finishes,” says George Paterson. “A true highlight for me is being able to identify the hidden gems, casks that are doing the unexpected and bring to life the conversations about them. It is from these moments shared throughout history and relentless curiosity at The Balvenie that brilliant ideas are born.”
The Balvenie Collection of Curious Casks, these two bottlings join other Stories releases, such as the 12 Year Old The Sweet Toast of American Oak, the 42 Year Old The Tale of the Dog, and more recently, the 19-Year-Old A Revelation of Cask and Character.
Bottled at 47.8% ABV, The Balvenie 14-Year-Old American Bourbon Barrel has a suggested retail price of $114.99. The Balvenie 18-Year-Old French Pineau Cask Finish, meanwhile, is bottled at 47.9% ABV, and has a suggested retail price of $399.99. Both expressions will be available in limited quantities globally beginning today and across the U.S. this summer.
For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
