Balvenie 1931 Collection by Daniel Arsham
The Balvenie unveils its 88-year-old single malt, the world's oldest whisky, presented in a sculptural decanter by artist Daniel Arsham.
The Balvenie 1931 Collection, featuring an 88-year-old single malt presented by artist Daniel Arsham, has been released. This historic spirit is the oldest the distillery has ever produced and is presented in a sculptural decanter and housing designed by Arsham as part of a collaboration titled 'The Dawn of Our Spirit.'
Only 17 bottles of the 88-year-old whisky exist. The hand-blown crystal decanter is engraved with 18ct gold and shaped to resemble the copper stills used in the Speyside distillery. Its sculptural case features eight hand-patinated layers, inspired by oxidized textures found at the distillery. The back is made from 88 layers of rich oak, a nod to the original casks.
The Daniel Arsham Collaboration
Daniel Arsham's design echoes themes from his Bronze Eroded series, where objects appear as artifacts from a future archaeological dig. The artist said the collaboration naturally brought together his explorations of memory, history, and material transformation.
The 1931 Collection also includes two more accessible whiskies with presentations designed by Arsham. These bottles mirror the verdigris patina and copper tones of the flagship 88-year-old release.
| Age | Edition | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 12-year-old | Single Malt Scotch Whisky | Publicly available |
| 15-year-old | Limited-edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky | Limited |
| 88-year-old | Single Malt Scotch Whisky | 17 bottles |
The Whisky's Profile and History
The 88-year-old whisky's flavor profile contains notes of buttery fudge, mint leaf, leather, and floral heather. On the palate, toffee, warm spice, and honey emerge. The Balvenie's Malt Master, Kelsey McKechnie, likened the experience to "the serene silence of evergreen woods."
The year 1931 was significant for The Balvenie. It marked the opening of the distillery's Home Malt Floor, which remains operational today. The whisky for this release was laid down there and tended for decades. By 2019, McKechnie determined it had "reached perfection." She instructed for it to be bottled and secured for safekeeping, calling it exceptional in both substance and significance.
Debut at Frieze Seoul 2026
The collection will premiere with a series of sensorial performances directed by Daniel Arsham. These events will take place at Space S50 in Seongdong during Frieze Seoul 2026, aiming to bring an element of the Scottish distillery to the art fair.
