Product Description:
Balvenie’s untamed side, told through heather, oak, and time.
The Edge of Burnhead Wood is a 19-year-old single malt from The Balvenie Stories series, celebrating the distillery’s rare use of locally foraged heather in both malting and maturation. It’s a whisky rooted in Speyside tradition but shaped by the bold curiosity of its craftspeople. The result is unmistakably Balvenie—layered, honeyed, and complex—with an aromatic twist straight from the distillery’s natural surroundings.
Aged entirely at the distillery in American oak casks, this release captures the story of experimentation with local ingredients, resulting in a dram that blends the distillery’s hallmark sweetness with woodland spice, fresh herbs, and a lingering floral dryness. It’s an impressive testament to Balvenie’s enduring balance of innovation and heritage.
Sip it neat to appreciate the nuance of fig, clove, and heathered spice. At 48.7% ABV, a splash of water draws out even more from this Speyside story in a bottle.
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
– Herbal and lifted
Geranium, fresh fig, and a green woodland breeze.
PALATE
– Rich and spiced
Clove and caramelised dates lead into citrus, honey, and oak.
FINISH
– Lingering and floral
Oaky dryness with soft notes of dried blossom.
The Finer Details:
Style - Scotch Whisky
Country - Scotland
Region - Speyside
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 48.7%
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