The Perfect Collection by Mr. Richard Gooding Digital Catalogue - Magazine - Page 48
THE BALVENIE DISTILLERY
The Balvenie was built by William Grant in 1892
and remains part of his family’s company to this
day. In the early part of its history, its purpose
was primarily for the provision of malt for Grant’s
blends, however, following the global success of
Glenfiddich, The Balvenie single malt brand was
launched in 1973. It remained a rarity though, and
it was not until the opening of Kininvie in 1990,
and later Ailsa Bay in Girvan, that the distillery was
given the freedom to focus on its single malt.
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The Balvenie is a truly unique distillery in Scotland,
one that still grows its own barley, uses traditional
floor maltings and keeps both a coppersmith and
a team of coopers on site. The invaluable skill and
expertise of their craftsmen is also undeniable,
with The Balvenie Malt Master, David C Stewart,
recognised as the longest serving of the Scotch
whisky industry’s 12 malt masters and is credited
with having a major influence on today’s peerless
quality of production.