Product Description:
Rich, sun-drenched sweetness meets Balvenie’s refined tradition.
Balvenie 18 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask is a striking single malt that showcases the distillery’s finesse with sherry finishes. Matured in traditional oak before being transferred into PX sherry casks, this Speyside whisky carries the hallmark depth and honeyed richness of Balvenie, now dialled up with sun-ripened fruit, syrupy texture, and spice-laced complexity.
Pedro Ximénez—Spain’s famously sweet dessert wine—imparts vibrant layers of raisin, fig, and tart grape skin, lifted by notes of mandarin and lavender. It’s a seamless integration: the sherry cask influence enhances rather than overwhelms, adding brightness and lift to Balvenie’s velvety core. At 48.7% ABV, it’s fuller in body yet graceful in expression—a whisky that balances heritage with bold character.
This is only the second PX-finished whisky in The Balvenie lineup, and it lands as a modern classic: richly textural, evocative, and unmistakably crafted.
Maker
William Grant’s vision for Balvenie, established in 1892, was to transform the abandoned shell of an 18th-century manor house into a thriving whisky production facility. Neighbouring his successful Glenfiddich distillery, Grant used second-hand stills from Lagavulin and Glen Albyn to set up Balvenie, establishing a unique character for his new venture.
Today, Balvenie’s impressive craftsmanship continues to set it apart. The distillery operates with four wash stills and five spirit stills, which, though of similar dimensions as those at Glenfiddich, are taller. This height difference imparts a distinct style to Balvenie’s whisky, contributing to a richer and more nuanced profile compared to its neighbouring distillery.
A standout feature of The Balvenie is its commitment to traditional methods. Unlike many modern distilleries, Balvenie still practices floor malting, a time-honoured technique that involves spreading barley on the floor to germinate. This traditional process is complemented by the use of an on-site kiln for malting and peating, with barley grown on the distillery’s own farm, Balvenie Mains. This dedication to maintaining traditional practices ensures that each bottle of Balvenie whisky carries a deep sense of heritage and authenticity.
The Balvenie’s unique approach combines time-honoured techniques with innovative practices, such as the pioneering ‘finishing’ method introduced by Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE. This blend of tradition and innovation results in a range of whiskies that are both distinct and exceptional, reflecting the rich history and enduring legacy of The Balvenie Distillery.
Philosophy
The Balvenie distillery is a paragon of tradition and expertise, with a deep-rooted commitment to crafting exceptional whisky. This dedication is evident in every aspect of their production process, reflecting a blend of time-honoured practices and modern skill.
Unique among Scottish Highlands distilleries, The Balvenie grows and malts a portion of its own barley. This tradition, carried forward by James Wiseman and his son Duncan, ensures that generations of knowledge contribute to the whisky's distinctive quality. The Wiseman family's involvement in barley farming spans decades, underpinning the distillery’s legacy.
The art of cooperage is another cornerstone of The Balvenie's approach. Master cooper Ian McDonald, with 54 years at the distillery, exemplifies the craftsmanship required to repair and rebuild casks, a skill developed over years of experience, Ian shares, "I've been working with wood for so long that I know American Oak from European by feel." Also labour intensive is the malting floor, where malt men manually turn barley up to four times a day, and the precise use of peat in the kiln, add layers of complexity to the whisky.
The distillery’s copper stills are instrumental in shaping its flavour. Dennis McBain's expertise in copper smithing, alongside his apprentice George Singer, ensures that the intricate design of the stills contributes to the signature honeyed notes of The Balvenie.
Former Malt Master David C. Stewart, who dedicated 60 years to The Balvenie, revolutionised whisky production with his pioneering techniques, particularly around ‘cask finishes’. In 2023, Stewart passed the mantle to Kelsey McKechnie, recognising her exceptional talent and commitment. Stewart’s legacy continues through McKechnie, ensuring The Balvenie’s tradition of excellence endures.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Juicy and floral
Raisin, blackcurrant and clove swirl with sweet lavender and well-integrated oak.
PALATE
– Bright and textural
Tart grape skin, mandarin and fig layered over vibrant oak and a silky, honeyed mouthfeel.
FINISH
– Sweet and lasting
A long, unmistakable fade of dried fruit, gentle spice and sherry-kissed warmth.
Finer Details
Style - Scotch Whisky
Country - Scotland
Region - Speyside
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 48.7%
Age - 18 Years
Closure - Cork
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