Scotch whisky supports Slow Food movement

The Balvenie Distillery in Speyside Scotland has become the first Scotch whisky producer to become a supporting member of non-profit organisation, Slow Food

As an official Slow Food supporter, the traditional Speyside distillery will join forces with Slow Food in the UK in a series of events to showcase traditional production methods and the wider benefits of the ‘slow’ approach to food and drink production and appreciation.

The Balvenie, distributed in the UK by First Drinks, is the only remaining single malt whisky distillery in Scotland to grow its own barley, malt in its own traditional floor maltings, still employ a team of coopers to tend all its oak casks and a coppersmith to maintain its stills. It was the distillery’s commitment to retaining rare whisky making crafts that brought the Speyside distillery to the attention of Slow Food - a non-profit organisation that campaigns to raise awareness of the disappearance of local food traditions and support small scale food producers.

“We’re very proud of our craftsmen at The Balvenie but we’re not about maintaining tradition for tradition’s sake”, says malt master David Stewart, who last year celebrated his 46th year in whisky making. “Our support for Slow Food is about promoting respect for traditional production methods that, in our case, are what create The Balvenie’s uniquely honeyed character and make our single malt what it is”.

Says Catherine Gazzoli of Slow Food, “It’s hard to think of a product that better embodies the principles of ‘slow’ than single malt Scotch whisky. It’s a real test of patience, skill and commitment to your craft, qualities too often forgotten in today’s world of mass production. It’s our hope that The Balvenie’s partnership with Slow Food will help strengthen the growing movement in support of producers who retain these all-important ingredients of time, care and craftsmanship; so they are not lost forever.”

The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced by William Grant & Sons, an independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and still run by his direct descendants.

Slow Food is a non-profit organization, founded in Italy in 1989 to raise awareness of the disappearance of local food traditions and support small scale producers. Today, the movement counts over 100,000 members in 132 countries.

More Partnership deals for The Balvenie

Along with Slow Food, the brand is also partnering premium chocolate brand Charbonnel et Walker in consumer tasting events.

Glenmore Lodge, Scotland’s National Outdoor training centre will also enjoy The Balvenie with sampling taking place at the venue’s bar. A kit has also been created, featuring a dram of The Balvenie, for instructors to take with them when teaching. The centre represents a true symbol of Scotland, which makes it an ideal partner.

Specialist gun retailer Holland and Holland has extended its shooting ground to incorporate The Balvenie Challenge. Each stand will be named after a Balvenie variant with full-size and miniature bottles of The Balvenie Signature being given away as prizes. Representatives from The Balvenie will also be attending the Holland and Holland shoot, in association with Shooting Gazette magazine, this autumn.

Savile Row tailors Gieves & Hawkes, the quintessentially British clothing company Barbour, the iconic motor company Morgan Cars and London barber Trumpers will also continue to link up with The Balvenie.

1 August 2009 - Felicity Murray