Description
History
The Balvenie was founded in 1893 by William Grant, who renovated the building where the distillery still stands today. Located in Banffshire, Speyside, it is located in an ideal area for the production of quality whisky. In 1923 the distillery will pass under the control of John Grant, William’s son, with whom the company will see a first period of expansion. Years later, in 1971, the first bottle of pure malt was marketed; in 1974 David C. Steward will become the new head and full-fledged owner of the company. Instead, it will be in 1983 that the company will begin to experiment with refinements in different types of barrels, carrying out the so-called “finishing”, which will further connote the “The Balvenie” style just as we know it today.
Production method
To produce a single malt whiskey, the barley is first subjected to a malting process, during which the complex sugars/starches present in the cereal are broken down into simple sugars, suitable for alcoholic fermentation by the hands of the yeasts. This procedure takes place in three phases: the maceration of the cereal in water to moisten it, the germination, during which the barley, which has been removed from the water, absorbs oxygen and begins to produce the radicle and to germinate; this procedure in particular will release the enzyme which is responsible for the transformation of starches into simple sugars. Subsequently this procedure is interrupted and the cereal is dried, which often takes place using peat-powered ovens, which will give the typical hints of smoked or brackish. Subsequently, the dried barley is ground and added again with hot water for further extraction of the must; this is what will be subsequently fermented and then distilled. The specification provides that for the wording single malt the whiskey must come from a single distillery and be aged for at least three years in oak barrels in Scotland.
Alcohol content
47.8%
Tasting notes
Dark amber color with ruby reflections. On the nose notes of candied citrus fruit and raisins, dehydrated apricot, orange blossom, oloroso sherry, vanilla, star anise and cinnamon. On the palate it is elegant, soft and silky, with notes of candied citrus fruits and spices on the finish. Very long and bewitching finish.
Usage
Perfect at the end of a meal or as a meditation; particularly recommended for lovers of elegant and complex whiskeys. Also highly recommended for a gift!
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