the balvenie debuts a website dedicated to celebrating craftsmanship in all its forms

the balvenie debuts a website dedicated to celebrating craftsmanship in all its forms
(above) the making of sam chinnery’s wooden case for the balvenie fifty, made from 49 separate rings of wood

the balvenie is a range of single malt scotch whiskies, each distinctly crafted by malt master, david stewart in the company’s distillery located in dufftown, speyside in north-east scotland.

owned by william grant & sons, the balvenie is dedicated to creating whisky using traditional methods, conducted through five rare crafts. their distilling process employs the balvenie’s self-grown barley that is laid over a traditional malting floor — one of only a handful still active in scotland; and sees both coppersmiths and coopers, several of whom have been working at the distillery for many decades, to ensure that each still and barrel is in perfect condition to produce the brand’s handcrafted signature malts.

reflecting on its commitment to the skilled production of whisky, the balvenie is now shining the spotlight on the art of making things by hand by launching a website dedicated to craftsmanship in all its forms. the balvenie commission is set to stand as a global hub for individuals who are passionate about traditional techniques, and are seeking to immerse themselves into the craft world; and is composed of three sections: features, commissions and craft news — supported by an aesthetically beautiful graphic layout, photography and video; painting a broader picture of international contemporary craft activity.

updated monthly, bespoke dispatches features special content that it is created by guest writers from around the globe, appointed by the balvenie to contribute their different perspectives on craft from their part of the world. the balvenie commission launched with a piece by hole & corner editor mark hooper who discusses the authenticity of craft claims; cool hunting’s report on hitting the streets of new york city to meet local makers; and atlas editor laura palmer’s interview with italian tailor, nino corvato.

at nino corvato’s tailoring shop, everything is done by hand
see atlas editor’s laura palmer’s interview with nino corvato here

nino corvato cutting out a pattern of a suit by hand

among the balvenie creative partners are london-based shoe-maker and leather goods specialist G.J. cleverly, who created a bespoke case to hold the balvenie forty using russian reindeer leather that has sat on the seabed for over 200 years; long-time collaborator sam chinnery whose latest piece for the company was an exquisite case for the balvenie fifty, made from 49 separate rings of wood from seven different types of trees and one of copper; and james rogan who has produced many thought-provoking films for the balvenie, including ‘the intelligent hand’ that looks at several artisans from different parts of the world and their craft skills. the commissions section will be refreshed regularly with the balvenie’s creative collaborators, as they engage in new objects and conjure up new projects around the world.

through its commission bursary fund, the balvenie also works closely with skilled artisans to create bespoke pieces that show true creativity and craftsmanship. the commissions section of the website presents stories on these craftspeople who have been selected by the balvenie to conceive exceptional handmade objects.

finally, craft news will see a collation of international updates on the latest and most interesting stories from the world of craftsmanship. it will curate content from a number of renowned online blogs and magazines for enjoyment on the balvenie commission site.

‘the balvenie has always been committed to craftsmanship; it is part of our heritage.’ says sam simmons, the balvenie’s global brand ambassador. ‘little has changed in the way we make our whisky. traditional techniques come from the hands of people with decades of experience and skill. we have also worked with some incredible craftspeople from all over the world in recent years and we wanted to celebrate them, as well as bringing interesting, relevant content to those passionate about craft.

the balvenie distillery in dufftown, speyside in the north-east of scotland

the balvenie commission embraces craft thinking, and is set to guide new ways of creation, reducing complexity and focusing on the time honored skills and expertise of artisans, shedding a new light on the world of craft.