Historic Release Marks Brand's Oldest Whisky The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky has unveiled The 1931 Collection, anchored by an 88-year-old single malt—the oldest whisky the brand has ever released. Distilled in 1931 and matured for nearly nine decades in a European oak sherry butt from Jerez, the liquid remained in the distillery's warehouse under the care of successive generations of craftspeople before being bottled in 2019 by current Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie. Only 17 bottles exist. The 1931 release date coincides with the opening of The Balvenie's Home Malt Floor that same year. According to the distillery, the whisky exhibits "honey, mint, buttery fudge and floral heather, followed by rich oak, creamy toffee and warming spice, with a long, drying finish."

Companion Expressions Expand Collection McKechnie has created two additional limited-edition expressions as part of the collection. A 12-year-old made from 100% home-malted barley will be available in select markets, offering "warm biscuit and creamy toffee on the nose, followed by barley sugar sweetness, crystallized ginger, raisin and spice, with a rich, velvety finish." A 15-year-old, also crafted from 100% home-grown and home-malted barley, will be exclusive to global travel retail. Both expressions employ similar production techniques as the 88-year-old, from malt preparation through cask selection.

Artist Collaboration on Packaging The Balvenie commissioned acclaimed artist Daniel Arsham to create sculptural presentations for the collection. The 88-year-old features an eight-layer sculpture representing each decade, constructed from 88 layers of oak and copper salvaged from a decommissioned Balvenie still, with the whisky housed in a hand-blown crystal decanter. Arsham's design extends to the 12 and 15-year-old packaging, incorporating copper and green hues that reference the verdigris patina of the sculpture.

Availability and Pricing The 88-year-old will be offered to private clients and collectors only.

The 12-year-old will retail for $99.99 across the United States while supplies last. The 15-year-old carries an MSRP of $199.99 and is available exclusively through global travel retail.

Why It Matters

For spirits retailers and on-premise operators, The Balvenie's 1931 Collection signals sustained collector demand for ultra-premium, aged single malts with provenance and storytelling depth. The tiered pricing structure—from $99.99 to collector-only positioning—offers multiple entry points into the release narrative, while the artist collaboration elevates packaging as a differentiation and retail display tool in a crowded premium segment.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors