The Balvenie Pop Up at Zenith Interiors
Balvenie has made a splash on the Melbourne drinking scene with a unique pop up promotion of its handcrafted whisky's at Zenith Interiors in 179 Flinders Lane. We went along to check it out and sample choice 17 year old Scotch whisky.
The world’s most handcrafted single malt Scotch whisky, The Balvenie, is celebrating the best examples of Australian craftsmanship with the launch of a pop-up bar in Melbourne.
Sam Simmons, Global Brand Ambassador for The Balvenie, has been at the Craft Bar as part of a trip to Melbourne that also includes the culmination of “The Ultimate Father’s Day” competition in conjunction with Dan Murphy’s.
Simmons said: “The Balvenie is one of the only handcrafted malts in the world. Nowhere else will you find a distillery that still grows its own barley, that still malts in its own traditional floor malting and that still has coopers to tend the casks and a coppersmith to tend the stills.
“As such, we have a natural affinity with artisans who still ply their trade as they have done for decades. We’re extremely excited to be working with these craftspeople who share the same value as The Balvenie.”
We were amazed that discerning drinkers could walk in off the street and be given a card enabling them to partake of 3 whisky's (12 year, 15 year and 17 year) and a matching premium cheese board, as well as a choice cocktail for free.
Balvenie emphasised the unique craftmanship of their single malt whisky with a series of displays featuring craftsman.
The Balvenie is dedicated to the five rare crafts that are used to create The Balvenie’s distinctive taste. It is the only distillery that still grows its own barley, uses traditional floor maltings and keeps both coppersmiths and coopers on site – making The Balvenie the most handcrafted of malts. Having coopers on site at the distillery allows David Stewart to work closely with them to make new types of wood finishes.
And the cheese was top notch from Bruny Island.
The cocktail featured Balvenie 12 year double wooded whisky with homemade vermouth, honey and plum. Delectable.
Six different craftspeople displayed their wares in a shared space to the public. Visitors have been enjoying the different ages and variants of the iconic Balvenie whisky.
The craftspeople showcasing their work at The Balvenie Craft Bar were Kris and Tim Torma (bar maker and stone craftspeople), Cinnamon Lee (metal smith), Tim Kill (luthier), Ruth Allen (glass blower), Nick Haddow (cheese maker) and Brad Nicholls (designer).
Melbourne has a sophisticated drinking and indeed whisky scene, with premium whisky all the rage. Balvenie sits well as a premium scotch whisky and we enjoyed the pop up experience. The 17 year old was an exceptionally full bodied smooth whisky with nuances of honey, vanilla, fresh fruit.
The last night is Thursday night - so get along and enjoy!
Monday 11 to Thursday 14 November, 2013 between 4.30pm and 7.30pm each day. Thursday until 10pm.