The Balvenie Unveils an Exceptionally Old Whisky from 1931

Wednesday, 02 September 2026 at 11:00

The Balvenie 88 year old Whisky Whisky Monkeys

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The Balvenie has dug deep into its warehouses and unveiled the oldest whisky the brand has ever released. Taking center stage in the new 1931 Collection is a single malt aged an astonishing 88 years. And no, you won’t see it sitting next to DoubleWood on the shelf anytime soon.

The whisky was filled on 5 March 1931 into a former European oak sherry cask from Jerez. Cask number 239 then slumbered at the distillery for no less than 88 years. It wasn’t until 2019 that Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie decided the time had come to bottle it.

What does The Balvenie 88 Year Old taste like?

Only seventeen bottles of The Balvenie 88 Years Old exist. The brand doesn’t quote a price, but the flavor is not up for debate, Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie describes it in no uncertain terms.

In her words, the 88 Year Old defies categorization and is a true time capsule.

“Rich, aromatic oak gives way to creamy toffee, velvety honey, and warming spice, before deep notes of heather and woodland fern emerge. A quiet reward for years of patience and perseverance.”

- Kelsey McKechnie

The whisky is offered exclusively to private clients and collectors—a detail that speaks volumes about the price tag.

Not just an 88-year-old Balvenie

Fortunately, the 1931 Collection isn’t limited to a whisky that will be out of reach for most enthusiasts. The Balvenie is also releasing 12- and 15-year-old single malts.

That all ties back to the year 1931, when the distillery opened its own traditional malting floor—still a cornerstone of The Balvenie to this day.

The new 12 Years Old is made entirely with barley malted by The Balvenie itself. The whisky first matures in American oak casks, then is finished in former European oak sherry casks from Jerez. The bottle carries an RRP of €99.99.

Tasting notes The Balvenie 12 Years Old

Nose: Warm biscuits, honey, creamy toffee, gentle ginger, and aromatic oak.
Palate: Sweet barley, candied ginger, raisins, and a spicy richness.
Finish: Rich, velvety, and smooth.

Bottled at 47.5% ABV.

A 15-year-old edition as well

Stepping up from there is a 15 Years Old. For this release, The Balvenie goes even further: not only is the malting done at the distillery, the barley used is entirely estate-grown.

Like the 12-year-old, it matures in American oak before a finish in European sherry casks from Jerez. The 15 Years Old is bottled at 47.8% ABV and will be available exclusively in Global Travel Retail. Pricing has yet to be announced.

Tasting notes The Balvenie 15 Years Old

Nose: Sweet grains, earthy tones, freshly toasted oak, and spicy citrus.
Palate: Firm oak, sweet vanilla, raisins, red berries, honey, and a hint of nuttiness.
Finish: Long, with a gentle sweetness.

Whisky Deals from Whisky Exchange	Week 36
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old	77,59 euros
The Perfect Measure 25 Whisky and Spirits Advent & Tasting Set	99,75 euros
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Port Charlotte 10 Year Old	49,85 euros
Glenmorangie A Tale of Tokyo	60,13 euros

And then there’s the 88-year-old, of course. According to The Balvenie, expect honey, mint, fudge, heather, damp ferns, old leather, aromatic oak, and creamy toffee. The finish is described as long and dry.

For most whisky drinkers, that bottle will be one to admire from afar. The 12-year-old is the more attainable option. Still, an 88-year-old Balvenie is a story you don’t come across every day.

FAQ

What is the oldest whisky The Balvenie has ever released?
The oldest whisky from The Balvenie is the 88 Years Old from the new 1931 Collection. It was filled into a former sherry cask on 5 March 1931 and bottled in 2019.
How many bottles of The Balvenie 88 Years Old exist?
Only 17 bottles of this extremely rare single malt exist. They are offered exclusively to private clients and collectors.
What other whiskies are in The Balvenie 1931 Collection?
Alongside the 88 Years Old, the collection includes a 12 Years Old and a 15 Years Old, both paying tribute to 1931—the year The Balvenie opened its traditional malting floor.