THE BALVENIE DCS CHAPTER

DCS Chapter 4 – Expecting the Unexpected

This chapter is a selection of needles in our proverbial haystack of maturing stock across the decades.

David wasn’t sure where to begin, although “I had a few ideas of where there might be some surprises,” he laughs. David’s role is one of reacting to the unexpected, dealing with it and marching on. “I supply the figures and forecasts as I see them, but the final decisions are really in the hands of the family. It is my job, however, to decide how to deal with these decisions.”

The first surprise came in the form of the 1971 cask.

It was refill Spanish oak cask in the records, what I call a “plain” cask, and unlikely to have imparted what I would expect from a first fill ex-sherry butt. But when the sample was first drawn I was convinced it was a clerical error. Here we were thinking this would be less intense, less woody, but having just discovered it is rich and spicy. A nice surprise!

DCS CHAPTER 4 – EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED

1971 European oak Olorosso sherry butt

Aged 47 Years – Single Malt Whisky

Filled 8th March 1971

TASTING NOTES:

Aroma: Exotic spices with brown sugar and dark fruits.
Taste: Rich and deep with layers of oak and honeycomb.
Finish: Lingering dried fruits with a malty sweetness.

DAVID C STEWART MBE – THE BALVENIE MALT MASTER

„The 1971 is representative of the time we were experimenting to release The Balvenie as a Single Malt and releasing Founders Reserve 8YO.“

DCS CHAPTER 4 – EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED

1982 European oak Olorosso sherry hogshead

Aged 36 Years – Single Malt Whisky

Filled 27th February 1982

TASTING NOTES:

Aroma: A bouquet of mixed spices balancing a sherried oakiness.
Taste: Plenty of dried fruits, a gentle oakiness and hint of dark chocolate.
Finish: Lingering spicy sweetness.

DAVID C STEWART MBE – THE BALVENIE MALT MASTER

„The 1982 characterises the experimental years prior to the release of The Balvenie Classic.“

DCS CHAPTER 4 – EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED

1992 European oak Olorosso sherry puncheon

Aged 26 Years – Single Malt Whisky

Filled 23th January 1992

TASTING NOTES:

Aroma: Intensely fruity, spicy and sherried. Hints of cloves and cinnamon.
Taste: Very smooth and silky on the palate, developing with roasted almonds and dried fruits.
Finish: Rich and sherried with a spicy sweetness.

DAVID C STEWART MBE – THE BALVENIE MALT MASTER

„The 1992 expresses the DoubleWood experimental years and one year prior to the release of Balvenie DoubleWood in the bottle shape we know of the brand today.“

DCS CHAPTER 4 – EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED

1999 Refill American oak hogshead

Aged 18 Years – Single Malt Whisky

Filled 1st July 1999

TASTING NOTES:

Aroma: Fragrant, floral and fruity with pineapple, melons and vanilla pods.
Taste: A luscious mouthful of fresh fruit, toffee and maple syrup.
Finish: Rich, creamy with a warming spice.

DAVID C STEWART MBE – THE BALVENIE MALT MASTER

„The 1999 is very special for me personally as it’s the 25th celebration as The Balvenie Malt Master.“

DCS CHAPTER 4 – EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED

2009 First-fill American oak bourbon barrel

Aged 8 Years – Single Malt Whisky

Filled 7th April 2009

TASTING NOTES:

Aroma: Citrus, peat and a bouquet of malty aromas.
Taste: Fresh sweet blossom honey and vanilla gently blend with light peat notes.
Finish: A lovely malty sweetness with distant smoke.

DAVID C STEWART MBE – THE BALVENIE MALT MASTER

„The year 2009 is probably one of my biggest surprises as The Balvenie Malt Master. This persistent peaty note was certainly unexpected. 2009 also marks the year I solely took over The Balvenie as Malt Master.“

EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED

DCS Chapter 4 – 2018 Release

VINTAGE	CASK NO.	CASK TYPE	FILLING DATE
1971	2855	European oak Oloroso sherry butt	08 Mar 1971
1982	635	European oak Oloroso sherry hogshead	27 Feb 1982
1992	608	European oak Oloroso sherry puncheon	23 Jan 1992
1999	9304	Refill American oak hogshead	01 Jul 1999
2009	2724	First fill American oak bourbon barrel	07 Apr 2009