William Grant & Sons-owned Scotch whisky single malt brand The Balvenie is releasing just 71 bottles of The Balvenie 60 in honour of renowned Malt Master David Stewart, who is celebrating six decades of work at the distillery. A single cask bottling from 1962, The Balvenie 60 marks the distillery’s oldest and rarest whisky ever released.
Stewart’s 60 years of service make him the longest-serving Malt Master in industry history. A select number of bottles of the limited-edition 42.4% ABV single malt will be available in global travel retail from Q1 2023.
Throughout his time at The Balvenie, Stewart has developed knowledge and pioneered techniques that have had a profound impact on whisky-making. Notably, his developments around cask finishes have led to a new way of creating flavour in whisky.
The Balvenie 60’s packaging, made from glass, gold and brass, resembles a work of art. The cylindrical packaging reflects five layers (and decades) of memories from Stewart’s career etched with personal anecdotes from individuals who have influenced his career journey.
The hand-blown crystal bottle, featuring a quote from Kelsey McKechnie, William Grant & Sons Apprentice Malt Master at The Balvenie Distillery, represents the sixth decade and future generations of The Balvenie.
McKechnie, who has been mentored by Stewart for the past four years, chose the single cask whisky. She noted its “mesmerising array of autumnal aromas; lavender, heather and bracken, while rich toffee, roasted coffee and beautifully layered oak dominate the palate. The flavour evolves with time revealing bursts of cloves, nutmeg, charred oak and candied orange in an exceptional long lasting finish.”
She said: “I have learned so much from David. His mentorship has made a profound impact on me and finding a cask to fit such an incredible character in the distillery’s history is a great honour.”
Stewart said: “I started at the distillery in 1962, as a whisky stocks clerk. This liquid, a new make spirit, was filled into a collection of traditional European Oak Hogshead casks. For six decades it has rested and matured, now marking quite a poignant moment for me on my journey.’’
