When age statement matters, The Balvenie presents a new and extremely exclusive expression. Moreover, the distillery is only selling 17 bottles of the exquisite dram. The single malt scotch was originally crafted in 1931 and then spent the next 88 years inside a single European oak sherry cask from Jerez. Hence, we can only imagine how each sip of the Eighty-Eight becomes a defining experience.
As the press materials indicate, this is under the 1931 Collection, which sounds promising. We can only guess that the label might have other curated recipes in store for future releases. For now, it wants those who have the means to purchase one to fully enjoy everything it has to offer. At 43.2% ABV, or around 86.4% proof, the spirit is reasonably smooth.
“The Eighty-Eight is a sensorial experience evoking the serene silence of evergreen woods. Rich aromatic oak flows into creamy toffee, velvety honey and a warming spice, slowly revealing deep heather and woodland ferns. A quiet reward of years of persistence and patience,” notes Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie.
As the protégé of David C. Stewart MBE, it’s safe to say the lady understands all the nuances about The Balvenie’s signature quality. After a lengthy maturation inside cask number 239, she sampled the whisky and declared that it “had arrived at a remarkable point in its journey.” Thus, the contents all made their way into 17 bottles.
The Eighty-Eight ships in an elegant crystal decanter, alongside a sculptural presentation case. All credit goes to Daniel Arsham, as he crafts a striking decorative piece highlighting the passage of time and the beauty that follows. Apart from the oak, bronze develops a unique patina as the alloy starts to oxidize. Each bottle comes with a removable copper certificate.
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Images courtesy of The Balvenie
