The Gen XY Lifestyle
The Balvenie Launches a New Travel Retail Exclusive Whisky
If you’ve been travelling recently and found that The Balvenie 21 Year Old Portwood is missing from DFS, you have right to be alarmed if that’s a go-to whisky for you. But don’t worry, there is a new offering that’s pretty much its spiritual successor.
The Balvenie, in partnership with DFS Group, has unveiled the 21 Year Old Madeira Cask. From now till its global launch on the first of April, it will be exclusive to Changi Airport.
Scott Hamilton, William Grant & Sons Travel Retail Director for Asia Pacific, said, “The Balvenie 21 Year Old Madeira Cask is a perfect example of an exclusive product that really intrigues both travelers and retailers, making it perfect for this channel.”
Much like the Travel Retail version of the 21 Year Old Portwood it replaces (it is still available in the standard range), the 21 Year Old Madeira spends over two decades maturing in ‘traditional oak whisky casks’ (ex-bourbon barrels) before they are transferred to casks previously used in the production of fortified Madeira wine to undergo a further period of maturation – commonly known as a cask finish.
David Stewart, one of the longest serving master blenders in the industry and one of the pioneers of the art of cask finishes, will sample the contents regularly until he is satisfied with the results. With this expression, he ensures that the final notes are characterised with notes of vanilla, oak and honey, finishing with a luscious layer of rich spice.
Fans of the Portwood will also enjoy the new Madeira, which shares the same, easy-drinking style but adds a spicy twist to the distinctive Balvenie house style. A lighter-bodied malt that’s tailor-made for casual drinking sessions.
The Balvenie 21 Year Old Madeira Cask retails for S$295 and is a travel retail exclusive available at DFS at Singapore Changi Airport.
The Balvenie Showcase
To celebrate the global launch as well as The Balvenie’s affinity with great craftsmanship, travellers to Singapore Changi Airport’s Terminal 1, Central Piazza will have an opportunity to sample The Balvenie 21 Year Old Madeira Cask as well as experience the expertise of local craftsmen who are part of The Balvenie Connoisseurs of Craft initiative. They will be on hand to demonstrate their expertise in leather craft, printmaking and shoemaking.
Also on display is The Balvenie Morgan, a handcrafted 3.7-liter, V6 Roadster built in collaboration with the Morgan Motor Company based in Malvern, Worcestershire, England. Morgan is known for their hand assembled approach to car making with a clear nod to old school workmanship. The showcase will run till 11 April, 2016.
Official Tasting Notes
Nose Fragrant fruity and floral, orange blossom, fresh pineapple juice and a touch of spicy ginger finishing on some vanilla syrup.
Taste A lovely mouth feel with a real juicy edge, exotic fruit salad and barley sugar with runny honey, cinnamon spices and gentle oak vanilla.
Finish Lingering and luscious, sweet and malty alongside swathes of vanilla and a spicy layer.
