Sweet Smell of Success: In Conversation With Charlie Metcalfe
The Balvenie’s Global Brand Ambassador answers Esquire India’s questions
One 60mL drink will cost me ₹6 lakh?” an older industry colleague asked in mild amusement. The place was a ritzy Italian restaurant in a glitzy New Delhi hotel right at the outskirts of Lutyens’. The occasion was the launch of the Balvenie Fifty, one solitary bottle of which (out of 125 that exist) had travelled to India amid much fanfare. The ultra-rare, single-cask 50-year-old expression—released as the first of three editions to come—aged in a European oak refill butt, was filled in 1973. Travelling to India under the care of Global Brand Ambassador Charlie Metcalfe, the bottle was a reminder of just how popular the spirit continues to be among Indian drinkers. Nursing a dram of The Balvenie DoubleWood 12, we caught up with Charlie on all things whisky.
What’s your go-to whisky cocktail—and why?
Old Fashioned is always my go-to; I prefer a sweeter style of cocktail, and this classic ticks all the boxes, especially with The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14.
What makes The Balvenie perfect for the discerning modern gentleman?
Our whisky’s sweet, honeyed style appeals to both connoisseurs and beginners. Additionally, our commitment to traditional craftsmanship and attention to detail ensures a level of quality and sophistication that resonates with those who appreciate the finer things in life.
How is whisky also a drink for the modern, urban, younger drinker?
Whisky’s flexibility makes it wonderful for anyone exploring our range; it can be enjoyed straight, with water, or in cocktails.
What makes The Balvenie Fifty extraordinary, even by rare whisky standards?
Casks of this age are incredibly rare in the Scotch whisky space. A single cask 50-year-old is exciting; the stars need to align for such old whisky to be available. The Balvenie Fifty Collection, commemorates 50 years of whisky mastery at the Speyside distillery and stands as a tribute to the brand’s unwavering commitment to craft, patience and legacy.
The Balvenie Fifty First Edition is a unique single cask expression, aged in a European oak refill butt, was filled in 1973 and selected by Malt Master, Kelsey McKechnie. Aged gracefully over five decades, expect layered tannins and ripe berries, accompanied by subtle hints of rich leather on the nose. On the palate, the liquid is unmistakably rich, toffee sweetness reveals rolling flavours of citrus and a deep oaky spice.
The rarity of the Balvenie Fifty Collection is further enhanced by the exquisite packaging developed by Croglin; a bespoke craft workshop based in Cumbria. Each presentation contains over 100 different elements, including seven layers of wood in the helix structure less than 1/10th of a millimetre thick and a beautifully crafted 14 carat gold plated brass display.
What do you (first) look for when you taste whisky?
Balance is crucial. Flavours need to be in sync, with no one dominating.
The Balvenie is known for keeping its traditional processes alive—what’s one aspect of the craft you feel most protective about?
Our 5 rare crafts are integral to our whisky-making process, but cooperage is one we're particularly passionate about. Nurturing our casks is crucial to developing the flavours. The ancient craft of coopering still requires a 4-year apprenticeship and we're proud to have 15 skilled coopers in-house, trained through this rigorous program to create what is truly valuable. This level of control and expertise is rare in the industry, as most distilleries outsource cask maintenance.
What’s the golden rule while pairing whisky with food?
When pairing whisky with food, balance is key. Pair flavours that complement each other, such as sweet with spice, light with light, and heavy with heavy. For example, sherry-cask whisky pairs well with dark meat or rich dishes, like lamb or game, while crisp, citrusy whiskies suit delicate seafood or salads. Rich, bold whiskies complement decadent desserts or robust flavours, and smoky whiskies pair nicely with grilled meats. Experimenting with different pairings can help you find your perfect match.