THE BALVENIE LIMITED EDITION CURIOUS CASKS
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
SPEYSIDE, SCOTLAND
Why Buy: A pair of extraordinary time-capsule expressions that show the remarkable benefits of The Balvenie’s meticulousness: the Curious Cask 14 Year Old American Bourbon Barrel and 18 Year Old French Pineau. These limited editions aren't just exceptional whiskies — they're insta-legends, and destined to find their way onto the bar cart of the most discerning collectors around the world.
The Details: With their in-house floor maltings, on-site cooperage, and home-grown barley, The Balvenie controls every step of the whisky-making process from grain to glass — a rarity in modern distilling, and one of the reasons this Speyside legend has been so beloved by so many. Now comes their Stories series, and a new chapter in a grand epic.
Our Tasting Notes:
* 14 Year Old: The nose is a velvety embrace of rich toffee and smoldering oak, giving way to crisp citrus and flowing honey musk. On the palate, candied orange peel dances with earthy, woody notes from beautifully roasted malt, underpinned by deep vanilla oakiness. The finish is long and lingering, a testament to its 47.8% ABV.
* 18 Year Old: Warm amber tones and delicate spice on the nose are complemented by smooth butterscotch and hints of ripe berries. The palate is a fascinating interplay of spice and rich sweetness, layered with creamy vanilla and honey before revealing gentle oaky tannins. At 47.9% ABV, it delivers a long, lingering finish that invites contemplation.
The Bottlings: The 14 Year Old American Bourbon Barrel spent its entire life in first-fill ex-bourbon casks, resulting in a whisky that beautifully balances the bourbon's influence with Balvenie's signature honeyed character. In the 18 Year Old French Pineau, we find a study in patience and precision. After a decade in a mix of ex-bourbon and European oak casks, it spent another eight years in casks that previously held wine from vineyards in the Charentes, in southwestern France. This extended finishing period imparts a unique complexity to an already exceptional whisky. Both are presented in packaging adorned with bespoke illustrations by the British artist Andy Lovell, capturing the essence of The Balvenie's long-standing regard for storytelling.
The Story: Nestled in the heart of Speyside since 1892, The Balvenie is a testament to traditional values. It's one of the last bastions of in-house floor maltings in Scotland, a labor-intensive process that most have abandoned. But that's not all — they also maintain their own cooperage and grow their own barley. This grain-to-glass approach gives them unparalleled control over their whisky's character. The Stories series, of which these Curious Casks are but the latest chapter, is where this craftsmanship truly shines. It's here that malt master Kelsey McKechnie and George Paterson work their magic. Their collaboration is a dance of expertise, Kelsey's innovative vision harmonizing with George's encyclopedic knowledge of the warehouse. This series isn't just about making great whisky — it's about capturing the very essence of The Balvenie's spirit in every bottle.
ABV: 14 Year Old, 47.8%; 18 Year Old, 47.9%.
Fun Fact: It’s not every malt master who receives royal commendation, but in 2016 The Balvenie’s David C. Stewart was made a rare exception — receiving the title of "Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire,” and from the Queen herself.
Our Guarantee: As with all our offerings, these whiskies come directly from the distiller. Your bottles will arrive in pristine condition, ready for your cellar—or your glass.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2024. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NC, NY, TN, VA, & WA. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Monday, July 15, 2024.
