Whisky Focus - The Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 8

The Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 8


25th June 2013
The Balvenie Tun 1401 series continues with the release of Batch 8.

Apologies for being a little late bringing you the news of the launch of the latest batch in The Balvenie Tun 1401 series. Due to a break down in communications I have only just received the info on the latest addition to the Tun 1401 series which was launched over a week ago. If you are quick off the mark you should still be able to source a bottle from one of the specialist whisky shops. The Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 8 is a limited release of 2700 bottles and will be available in the UK, Europe and Australasia.

The Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 8 is a unique ‘one off’ single malt married from 12 casks of the distillery’s precious stocks of aged spirit. David Stewart, the most experienced Malt Master in the Scotch whisky industry, created the whisky by selecting three sherry butts and nine traditional whisky casks from the rarest treasures to be found in the distillery’s Warehouse 24. The casks numbers in the Batch 8 vatting are:

Traditional American Whisky Casks
  • Cask No. 15917
     
  • Cask No. 14827
     
  • Cask No. 7049
     
  • Cask No. 15338
     
  • Cask No. 6333
     
  • Cask No. 5825
     
  • Cask No. 1636
     
  • Cask No. 887
     
  • Cask No. 486

Sherry Butts

  • Cask No. 12614
     
  • Cask No. 13148
     
  • Cask No. 8587

After David Stewart selected these casks, they were all transferred into the now famous Balvenie Tun 1401, which is a traditional oak marrying vessel cared for by the distillery’s on-site team of coopers. It was left to marry for several months, this process allows the constituent parts that have aged from across decades to come together and create an exceptionally complex single malt Scotch whisky.

After several months marrying in the famous Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 8 was hand bottled at the distillery in Speyside, 2700 bottles at a strength of 50.2% ABV. On the nose, it has hints of lightly toasted spices, brown sugar and ripe vanilla balanced with gentle oak tannins. Its rich fruity taste has a warming spiciness of cinnamon and ginger, underpinned by maple syrup, sweet vanilla and tangy citrus notes. Citrus, vanilla and a gentle oakiness are evident on the finish.

The release of The Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 8 follows the award-winning success of one of its predecessors – Batch 5, which was recognised as the Speyside Single Malt of the Year in the Whisky Advocate Awards earlier in the year. Batch 3 also won a Double Gold Medal at the 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 8 release is available in the UK, Europe and Australasia from whisky specialist shops from 13th June at an RRP of £200.

For our US visitors, don't worry I have been told Batch 9 should be heading your way in November 2013 and for the travellers amongst you look out for Batch 10 in March 2014 when the Balvenie plan to release Batch 10 exclusively in Global Travel Retail.
 

The Balvenie Tun 1401 Batches 1 to 7


Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 1
The first batch was made for distillery visitors only, and was created from 6 casks – a 1973 Sherry Butt, a 1972 Sherry Hogshead and American casks from 1966, 1974, 1978 and 1988.

Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 2
Released only in the UK, Europe, Asia, and South Africa and is made up of 10 casks, mostly from the 1970s with one from the 1960s and one from the 1980s.

Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 3
Similar to batch 2, but was made for US distribution only. Due for release Fall 2011.

Video - Creation of Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 3

Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 4
Made for travel retail. Mr Stewart normally allows three months for the marrying period, but batch four was married for a total of four months.

Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 5
Batch 5 released worldwide, made up of 9 casks, five traditional American oak casks from 1966, 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1991 and four sherry butts distilled in 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1975. All married in the impressive Tun 1401.

Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 6
The Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 6, this is the 2nd batch to be released exclusively in the United States. Released in October 2012.

Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 7
The Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 7, this is the 2nd batch to be released exclusively in Global Travel Retail. Released in January 2013.

How do the batches differ?
When asked how he expects the batches to differ, Balvenie Malt Master David Stewart said, "…the batches do have some similarity but if one were to line the batches up for sampling, which I haven’t done yet, we might be surprised by the differences that there are. I think that each has this citrus orangey flavour which seems consistent…"
 

Where To Buy The Balvenie Whisky Online


Select a country for a list of specialist Whisky shops who delivers to you:

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