Balvenie Tun 1401 releases Batch 5 in UK

The Balvenie is set to release its latest single malt Scotch batch from Tun 1401, Batch 5, into the UK and European market.

Batch 5, which has an abv of 50.1% has been created by The Balvenie malt master David Stewart from five US oak casks and four sherry butts, with the oldest dating back to 1966 and the youngest to 1991. The nine casks have been married together in Tun 1401 - just like its preceding batches - for several months before being bottled, resulting in a honeyed, spiced whisky with notes of vanilla, dried citrus fruit and apricots. Stewart, who is celebrating his 50th year at the distillery in September, said: Five very rare crafted and a long wait have gone into making these whiskies and it's important this single malt meets the expectations of what has become a sought after release by our drinkers." The last batch from Tun 1401 to be available in the UK was Batch 2, which was released in Europe, Asia, and South Africa and was made up of 10 casks from the 1970s, 1960s and 1980s, and according to the distillery, sold out within days. Just 2,862 bottles of Batch 5 have been produced, mainly for the UK and Europe, with a RRP of £160.99. It will be available at retailers from July.