As the world prepares to lift its glass on World whiskey Day (May 17, 2025), connoisseurs and enthusiasts can honor a spirit rooted in tradition, patience and incomparable crafts: Balvenie. This distinguished Scottish whiskey, from the heart of Speyside, Scotland, personifies the art of meticulous distillation, standing as one of the latest distilleries to defend the five rare handicrafts of making mustaches, from the growth of its own barley to use traditional cooperation and resident coppersmith.

For demanding South African whiskey lovers, this occasion offers more than the pleasure of an excellent dram; It is an opportunity to deepen a rich legacy that celebrates authenticity and traditional techniques. As Kelsey McKechnie, a master distiller in Balvenie, says: “Every bottle of the Balvenie is a testimony of tradition, patience and precision. It is the whiskey made in the old way, not because it is easier, but because it is better.”

Where to experience Balvenie in South Africa

In honor of World whiskey Day, South Africa has a variety of iconic places where enthusiasts can savor the exceptional character of Balvenie:

• Culle whiskey Bar, Cabo Cabo
• The whiskey library, Cabo Cabo
• Cause the kitchen of an effect cocktail, Cabo del Cabo
• THE HOUSE OF THE MACHINES, CABO CABO
• The Lighthouse Bar in The Oyster Box Hotel, Durban
• Alchemy Bar, Durban

For those with an adventure spirit, the secret clandestine bars and the selected bars in Cabo del Cabo, Melville and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) provide an immersive experience. First, you can discover the intrigue of the art of duplicity: the style hiding place of the city's ban. Alternatively, you can enjoy the creative vitality of Smoking Kills Bar in Melville. Finally, if you prefer vintage charm, Ninetee33 in Gqeberha, a clandestine theme bar of the 1920s, celebrates crafts in each glass.

A whiskey for all tastes, from classics to collectors

The Balvenie portfolio offers a palette of notable expressions:

• 12 -year -old Doublewood: An introduction par excellence, matured in oak before finishing in Jerez barrels, which offers sweet fruit, honey and spices with a soft and persistent finish.
• 14 -year -old Caribbean barrel: An adventurous choice, aged in traditional oak and finished in barrels of rum of the Caribbean, revealing tropical fruit, caramel and vanilla notes.
• 21 -year -old portwood: For the fan, this luxurious mixture is matured in port pipes, resulting in a rich and velvety spirit with layers of dry fruit, spices and sophisticated complexity.

More than a celebration: a testimony of authenticity

LIFA Bakana, Senior Brand Manager of Edward Snell & Co., underlines the essence of the occasion: “Our manufacturers remain faithful to their trade, ensuring that each bottle reflects its deep understanding and respect for the process of making mustaches. That authenticity is what makes the Balvenie really remarkable.”

This year, like whiskey lovers they join around the world in a toast, Balvenie emerges not only as a drink but as a symbol of art, patience and tradition. Whether you enjoyed well, shared with friends or treasured in a collection, these whiskeys are an ode for those who believe that excellence is worth every second of the crafts.

Then, lift your glass in South Africa this world whiskey day. Slàinte! Here is the crafts, the character and memories in creation.