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Old fashioned, home grown malt turning at The Balvenie
(Credit: William Grant & Sons)
The Balvenie is no stranger to craftsmanship and artisan practices, as the only working distillery today that grows its own barley, processes it using old fashioned floor maltings, and keeps its own coppersmiths and coopers on site to tend to the stills and casks. Master Blender David Stewart, a five decade industry veteran, pioneered the barrel finish in the 1980s, a process now widely embraced in the Scotch whisky industry.
This art and culture of craftsmanship around the world is celebrated on The Balvenie Commission, a new website curated and launched by single malt Scotch whisky, The Balvenie.
The site features articles, videos and photography that bring alive the world of craft by exploring the lives and works of makers, and provides a global hub for those passionate about making things by hand.
The site also showcases The Balvenie’s commitment to craftsmanship through articles that showcase the results of its Commission bursary, which has funded many collaborations with makers around the world.
The Balvenie Commission is made up of three sections: Features sees renowned guest writers commissioned each month to bring different perspectives on craftsmanship. The section currently includes a thought-piece on the authenticity of craft claims by Hole & Corner’s editor, Mark Hooper, and Cool Hunting’s report on hitting the streets of New York City to meet local makers.
The Balvenie Portwood 21 Year Old
(Credit: Richard Thomas)
The Commissions section features articles on craftspeople who have been commissioned by The Balvenie. The site features articles on Scottish wood craftsman Sam Chinnery; James Rogan, a renowned documentary film-maker; and iconic London bespoke shoe-maker and leather goods specialist G.J. Cleverley & Co.
The Craft News section of the website collates news from blogs and magazines around the world to ensure readers are kept up to date with all the latest stories from the world of craftsmanship.
