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The Balvenie Rose 16 Year Old 1st Release | 53.4% | 70cl | 426 Bottles | Cask Strength Speyside
£1,900.00
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The Balvenie Rose 16 Year Old 1st Release | 53.4% | 70cl | 426 Bottles | Cask Strength Speyside
One of the most romantically storied releases in Balvenie's history — and one of the rarest. The Balvenie Rose was created to celebrate the extraordinary heritage of Balvenie Castle, whose annual rent was fixed at a single red rose in 1460 when the castle belonged to the crown and was occupied by Margaret Douglas. Distilled in 1991 and aged for 16 years before being finished in a single first-fill port pipe, the Rose was initially released exclusively at the Balvenie Distillery in Dufftown. Just 426 bottles were ever produced. This is the 1st Release — the very first expression in the Rose series. Bottled at natural cask strength of 53.4% ABV, signed by Malt Master David C. Stewart.
Key Features
- Distillery: The Balvenie, Dufftown, Speyside
- Region: Speyside, Scotland
- Age: 16 Years Old
- Vintage: Distilled 1991 | Bottled 2007
- Cask: Matured in Speyside casks, finished in a single first-fill port pipe
- ABV: 53.4% (Natural Cask Strength)
- Volume: 70cl
- Bottles Produced: Only 426
- Series: The Balvenie Rose — 1st Release (Inaugural)
- Signed by David C. Stewart, The Balvenie Malt Master
- Originally a distillery-exclusive release at Dufftown
- Distinctive reddish colour from the port pipe
Tasting Notes
- Nose: A distinct floral tone — rose petals and honey — followed by dried dark fruits, vanilla and soft oak. The port pipe finish adds a gentle warmth of stewed prunes and Christmas spice. Rich and inviting
- Palate: Lively and almost youthful despite its age — bold fresh vanilla alongside dark fruit abundance. Port wine sweetness, dried cherries and plums, creamy texture with pleasant acidity and warming spice throughout
- Finish: Long, rich and fruity — the port pipe character lingers with gentle warming oak, dark berry sweetness and a signature Balvenie honeyed note that fades slowly and elegantly
Note: Tasting notes drawn from the bottle label and expert knowledge of this release. The label notes describe "a rich and fruity single malt with a distinctive reddish colour" and "a distinct floral tone with honey type notes and soft oak."
The Story Behind The Rose
The Balvenie Castle — the ancient ruin that stands beside the distillery in Dufftown — has stood since the 13th century. In 1460, during the reign of King James II, the castle came under royal ownership after the fall of the Black Douglases. The castle was granted to a tenant, Margaret Douglas, known as the "Fair Maid of Galloway," for an annual rent fixed at a single red rose. This extraordinary historical footnote became the inspiration for The Balvenie Rose: a whisky as rare and precious as the rent that once passed between a Scottish king and his tenant. The rose still appears on the label, on the bottle, and on the distinctive red presentation box — a thread of history running through every detail of this remarkable release.
Perfect For
- Balvenie collectors seeking the inaugural Rose 1st Release
- Investors in documented, historically significant Speyside single malts
- Those who appreciate the combination of long maturation and fine port cask finishing
- A deeply meaningful and historically rich gift for the most discerning whisky enthusiast
Delivery & Authenticity
Every bottle sold by Whiskys.co.uk is 100% authentic and sourced through verified, trusted channels. We ship across the UK and internationally with fully insured, specialist packaging for high-value bottles. All orders are handled with the utmost care by our family team in Stamford Bridge, Yorkshire.
Enquire about this bottle today — one of only 426 bottles of the inaugural Balvenie Rose release, signed by David C. Stewart and complete with its original red presentation box. Contact us directly for provenance documentation and shipping arrangements.