THE BALVENIE has announced a new collaboration with artist Daniel Arsham, developed alongside Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie. Entitled, ‘The Dawn of Our Spirit,’ the project will centre on a forthcoming limited-edition whisky collection that draws inspiration from The Balvenie’s “Five Rare Crafts” — barley, cooperage, the malting floor, copper stills and the role of the malt master.
The collaboration will include a series of immersive experiences across Asia and America, alongside the release of collectable whiskies and an ultra-rare edition, each interpreted through Arsham’s aesthetic.
The Balvenie x Daniel Arsham
The Balvenie x Daniel Arsham
A key reference for the project is The Balvenie’s Home Floor Maltings, which has largely remained unchanged since the ’30s, and this partnership explores ideas surrounding craftsmanship, materiality, and the passage of time through both whisky-making and sculpture. The artist says, “Learning of The Balvenie’s time-honoured skills and its dedication to the most traditional methods of making whisky is inspiring. Our collaboration is rooted in a shared respect for both process and time.”
The Balvenie x Daniel Arsham
McKechnie, who oversees The Balvenie’s portfolio, has become known for balancing traditional whisky-making techniques with new releases developed for a younger generation of collectors and drinkers, and said of the partnership: “The Balvenie’s approach remains the same today as it always has been; it is a story of artistry, innovation and human endeavour. Our collaboration with Daniel Arsham has become a creative dialogue exploring the enduring character of our spirit, formed by our consistent approach across multiple generations.”
by Felicity Carter