Sometimes tracking down a dram is more of an adventure than the dram itself! In this case, rumors reached our London host of something “special” being released by Balvenie, Something memorable that sold out immediately. Where there is a will, there is always a way. And in this case, it came via a Hong Kong (or was it Singapore?) connection to a London store known to many but not yet experienced by myself.

We found ourselves interacting with a very knowledgeable salesperson, who converted a quick pick stop to merely pick up the coveted bottle to an animated discussion about various malts and then other spirits. Needless to say, we did not walk out with just one bottle.

What drew us there in the first place? The Balvenie 19-year “A Revelation of Cask and Character” was released in October 2023. It is the first of their new stories series, matured in sherry casks and created as a tribute to the coopers who work at the Speyside distillery’s on-site cooperage. It was also touted as the first whisky creation of their new malt master Kelsey McKechnie, with the formal passing of the whisky baton from David C. Stewart, who shifted from malt master to ambassador.

As I didn’t take tasting notes from our experience in London, I brought home a wee sample. Which then in turn made it from London to Nurnberg to Mumbai to Kalote, Maharashtra.  Opened at the end of 2023, with some desultory jazz in the background, our cats curled purring on my feet, our dogs outside exhausted after an hour of vigorous play chasing a frisbee, it seemed just the right moment to pour a glass, relax and experience.

The Balvenie 19 year “A Revelation of Cask and Character” 47.5% GBP 309

• Colour – A deep amber, almost having a hint of ruby
• Nose – Fruity and vanilla, stollen, dried fruits, orange rind, toasted scones with clotted cream, apple sauce, more of that vanilla
• Palate – Starts a bit prickly, clear wood influence, cherry pits, cherry biscotti with roasted pistachios, light chili chocolate spice, nicely balanced
• Finish – Slightly bitter – more almond than pistachio

The nose is most enjoyable, inviting, and sweet vanilla cream with pastries. Is it the most remarkable dram of the year? Not by a long shot. And in my humble opinion, it is rather overpriced. However in a supply and demand market, clearly this one managed to catch the fancy of many folks.

Yet for a chilled-out evening in the Maharashtran countryside, it perfectly fits the mood. And for that, I was quite grateful to have an opportunity to not only experience it once, but twice.

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