Episode 1: The Sweet Toast of American Oak

The Balvenie

The Balvenie Stories Series takes you behind the scenes of The Balvenie, to meet the people and explore the places that helped shape this incredible range of whiskies. Hosted by Gemma Paterson, The Balvenie Global Ambassador. In The Sweet Toast of American Oak, Gemma explores what a cooper’s apprentice, a flat-pack barrel, and some stilton cheese have in common. Gemma meet’s Ian McDonald, who celebrates his fiftieth year at The Balvenie this year, before travelling to Louisville to meet Paul McLaughlin of Kelvin Cooperage, with Balvenie Apprentice Malt Master, Kelsey McKechnie. Gemma and Kelsey discuss Kelsey’s apprenticeship, and what it’s like to learn from one of the most respected Malt Masters in the industry! Find out more at www.thebalvenie.com/stories.