RAISING A STORIED DRAM TO THE POWERFUL WOMEN OF WHIKSY IN CELEBRATION OF WOMEN’S DAY
The Balvenie celebrates Women’s Day and the ultimate craftsmanship of newest Malt Master, Kelsey McKechnie, one of the youngest women in the world to take on the prestigious title.
The Balvenie is delighted to welcome Kelsey McKechnie into the highly prestigious role of Malt Master at The Balvenie, joining an elite group of women whisky experts in the traditionally male-dominated industry.
“Kelsey McKechnie’s appointment to Malt Master is a noteworthy step in the story of women in the whisky industry,” comments Claire May, Brand Manager, The Balvenie in Canada. “Her appointment demonstrates that women can rise even with the historical adversity in the category. We are very much looking forward to the amazing things she has in store for The Balvenie.”
After graduating from the University of West Scotland in 2014 with a BSc in Biology and Biological Sciences, McKechnie joined The Balvenie as a Technical Graduate. She progressed to study an MSc in Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University and was appointed to the title of Apprentice Malt Master in 2018 at the age of 26.
Known for her progressive yet respectful approach to crafting The Balvenie’s whiskies, McKechnie has become an integral part of The Balvenie team over recent years, taking on more responsibility in all aspects of the Malt Master role.
“My apprenticeship at The Balvenie taught me many things, but particularly about patience, collaboration, and perseverance,” comments McKechnie. “I’m extremely humbled to have learned from David Stewart, an incredibly knowledgeable and patient man, and a living whisky legend. Continuing our craft is a privilege and I look forward to seeing The Balvenie through the generations to come as a Malt Master.”
The two share a similar philosophy of innovation and tradition at The Balvenie, and closely work together on the beloved single malt scotch whisky ranges currently being produced. The Sweet Toast of American Oak is a beautiful example of the mentorship between Stewart and McKechnie, marking the first whisky innovation led by McKechnie using a cask finishing technique pioneered by David Stewart in the 1980s.
Inspired to produce an even fruitier, sweeter Balvenie, Kelsey McKechnie developed the idea to import Virgin Oak barrels from Kentucky. After deep toasting at The Balvenie Cooperage, the barrels were filled with Balvenie aged in ex-bourbon barrels. The resulting spirit, The Sweet Toast of American Oak, is a delicately complex whisky with notes of candied fruit, coconut, and delicate vanilla, now available in select Canadian markets as part of The Balvenie’s Stories range.
The Balvenie Stories range is a collection of single malt whiskies representing tales of character, endeavour, and craft, made by hand at The Balvenie Distillery in Dufftown, Scotland. Each whisky produced by The Balvenie tells a human story, evolving with the protagonists and developing unexpected twists through years of maturation. The range brings to life the Brand Promise of Ultimate Craftsmanship, showcasing the heart of the Malt Master through the whiskies they make.
TASTING NOTES: The Balvenie Sweet Toast of American Oak
Nose: Lusciously malty with some sweet fudge, followed by citrusy and oak vanilla aromas with layers of spicy oak notes of ginger and cinnamon.
Taste: Candied orange and lemon peel, vanilla toffee and butterscotch, layers of blossom honey, some melted brown sugar and oak spices at the end.
Finish: Rich and malty with gentle waves of oak vanilla and subtle spices.
The 12 YO Sweet Toast of American Oak lends to the Stories range alongside 14 YO The Week of Peat, 19 YO The Edge of Burnhead Wood, and 26 YO A Day of Dark Barley.
The Balvenie Stories range is available from LCBO retailers in Ontario and select retail stores across Canada.
For more information about The Balvenie’s globally, please visit: https://www.thebalvenie.com.
Media release and images provided by Brianna Carroll, Alchemysts Inc. Photo credits: William Grant & Sons
