There’s something magical about stumbling upon a whiskey that feels more like a treasure than a drink. I had the privilege of experiencing The Balvenie from 1993, an exclusive release from William Grant & Sons, produced in the Speyside region of Scotland. With an impressive ABV of 58.4%, this dram captures the art of over years of patience, craft and dedication to fine whiskey making traditions. This one of a kind bottling will never be made again, and the story and the years to attain it’s sophistication and flavour will remain unknown. 

The Balvenie has always been a distillery known for its balance of tradition and innovation, and this pour proves why their name is spoken with such admiration and enthusiasm. For a whiskey enthusiast, a pour like this is the stuff of dreams: rare, bold, and unforgettable.

Tasting Notes

Appearance

This whiskey pours a rich golden amber with medium oily legs that crawl down the glass slow and steady.

Nose

The first sniff is like opening a spice cabinet with a mix of dried orchard fruits. There’s warm cinnamon and nutmeg, mingling with ripe raisins and apricots, a baked apple pie. Beneath that, you’ll find layers of honeycomb sweetness and toasted nuts, browned butter with just a hint of fresh oak and leather. 

Palate

This palette is wonderful and complex, medium-bodied. The first sip I had was neat, I let it sit on my tounge and it showed its punch initially sweet and spicy, building with layers of warmth, oak and carmel. It’s smooth with a peppery bite. As I swallow and breathe in, notes of toasted hazelnuts and dark orchard fruit, balanced with a hint of smokiness is revealed. With a drop of water, more wood and earth tones come out, less sweetness here, winter fruits and a some creamed honey are muted in the background.

Finish

The finish is long, warm, and the texture is creamy.. It leaves behind a gentle burn that fades into lingering notes of oak, vanilla, and a whisper of dark chocolate. Even minutes later, you’ll catch flashes of toasted spiced nuts and leather. 

Overall Impression

The Balvenie 1993 was a rare gem to indulge in. It delivers everything you’d hope for in an exclusive release. It’s bold yet nuanced, warming yet refined, to embrace it, is to recognize that it is a grand occasion. 

Have you had the chance to try this rare expression of The Balvenie 1993 or another rare gem from their collection? Please, share in the comments below.