The Balvenie, a fifth-generation family owned distillery from Scotland, came to town for The Rare Craft Road Show 2012 on October 2nd in Culver City at the uber chic event space Smog Shoppe. The Balvenie Ambassador Lorne Cousin, a globe-trotting Scotch Whisky expert known as “The Scottish Piper to the Stars,” who opened for Madonna on her World Tour, hosted the tour for Balvenie, a handcrafted single malt Scotch whisky, on their quest for craftsmanship and artisans across America who maintain a dedication to the practice and preservation of traditional crafts.
The journey of this Rare Craft Road Show of discovery demonstrates Balvenie’s commitment to celebrating small businesses leading the American craft revival as well as celebrating the true champions of skilled trades. This is the second year The Balvenie has launched this exciting quest across the U.S. Last year’s road show in L.A. was held at Chateau Marmont.
Balvenie Booms in Los Angeles
Arriving at the Smog Shoppe, I was ushered inside to the swanky decor and greeted by Scotch whisky fans enjoying The Balvenie cocktails and tasty finger foods by Schaffers Genuine Foods.
Balvenie Ambassador Lorne Cousin with guests.
As the evening progressed, we were treated to tastings of The Balvenie’s 12, 15 and 21 Year Old scotches while Balvenie ambassadors shared inside information on the distilling process and history.
The 12 Year Old possessed sweet fruit and sherry notes along with a honey and vanilla finish. The 15 Year Old had hints of heather and dry oaky notes, and was much more rich and complex. The 21 Year Old, my favorite, was creamy and silky with fruit, honey and spice notes and a gentle nutty finish. Good thing I came early, on my way out, I noticed the line to get in had grown to be two blocks long. Clearly Angelenos like their Balvenie.
Rare Craft Fellowship Award
The Balvenie Rare Craft Fellowship award, which will be offered to one craftsman, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend two weeks at the historic Balvenie distillery in Scotland, where they will have the opportunity to learn about the art and tradition of whisky making, along with having an opportunity to work with legendary Balvenie Malt Master, David Stewart. In addition, four craftsmen will also be awarded with special grants and a trip to New York to showcase their work during the finale event at The Balvenie Whisky Den premiering in November.
Wilmer Valderrama with Lorne Cousin
The Balvenie All-Star Cast
The Balvenie is a unique range of Single Malt whiskies hand crafted in Scotland’s Speyside region by William Grant & Sons. Created by internationally renowned malt master David Stewart, The Balvenie is unique in that it retains complete control over the five rare crafts.
The Balvnenie range includes The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old, The Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask, The Balvenie Single Barrel 15 Year Old, The Balvenie PortWood 21 Year Old, as well as a range of limited releases, including the coveted 17 Year Old range, which features different cask finishes (most recently Peated Cask).
To follow the progress of the Road Show, learn more about scheduled stops and nominate craftsmen, interested parties can visit The Balvenie Rare Craft Roadshow Web site at: balvenie.com/roadshow. The search for the best rare craftsmen in America officially closes October 31, 2012.
Written by Jen Gillette.
