THE Balvenie, award-winning Single Malt Scotch Whisky makers recently auctioned a one-of-its-kind art piece by artist Thomas Powell for RM26,000.
The original oak cask canvas was specially flown in from the distillery in Scotland, where it had been used to age numerous whiskies since 1992, marking the celebration of The Balvenie Thirty.
The Balvenie Thirty is one of The Balvenie’s rarest single malt whiskies created by Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE, who hand-selected exceptional casks that were laid down over thirty years ago.
By marrying Traditional and European oak casks that have been matured for decades, he has crafted a liquid with incredible sweetness and complexity.
Titled ‘Layered Refinement’, the art piece pays homage to the amount of work and effort dedicated to the production of something as refined as whiskey.
Similar to The Balvenie’s Five Rare Crafts, where craftsmen of different disciplines have an understanding of their materials and a desire to make the very best product possible, Powell injected effort into this piece, showcasing layers of different materials to produce the porcelain effect.
“First I wanted to create a stark contrast between the ruggedness of the cask and the delicate refinement of porcelain. I chose porcelain because of its visual juxtaposition and its significance in defining the heritage in both eastern and western cultures. I also wanted to visually tell the story of The Balvenie’s process of producing their whisky.
“Each major production phase is framed by elements inspired by both Scotland and Malaysia; nature combined with man-made processes – a delicate balance that needs to be cared for at all costs,” said Powell, a British artist based in Penang.
The auction event was accompanied by a specially curated dinner experience by Chef Nathalie of Nathalie’s Gourmet Studio, an exclusive catering provider. The four-course meal consisted of dishes that would complement the snifters of The Balvenie whiskey.
The nutty sweetness, cinnamon spiciness, and the delicately proportioned layers of The Balvenie Doublewood 12 were paired with a pair of appetisers. Though it is the most basic variety, it is smooth and goes with just about anything.
The rounded vanilla, sweet oak notes, and fruity character of The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 accompanied the main course, which was either a fish, veal, or vegetarian meal. Because it has spent time in a rum cask, there are added spice notes that add a tingle to the tip of the tongue.
The rich toasted almonds and cinnamon, coupled with hints of creamy toffee of The Balvenie Doublewood 17, which is being discontinued, were served alongside the dessert.
All proceeds from the sale of ‘Layered Refinement’ has been donated to United Voice, a self-advocacy group for persons with learning disabilities. Its vision is to ensure that everyone shares the same rights, responsibilities, and growth potential, even if one is born with a learning disability. – The Vibes, June 22, 2022
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