Balvenie in link with Slow Food

Published: 04 August, 2009

The Balvenie has become the first Scotch whisky producer to become a supporting member of the Slow Food organisation.

The William Grant-owned distillery will link-up with Slow Food in a series of events to promote traditional and slow production methods for food and drink.

The Balvenie is the only remaining single malt whisky distillery in Scotland to grow its own barley, has its own traditional floor maltings, and employs coopers and coppersmiths to maintain casks and distilling equipment.

Malt master David Stewart said: "We're very proud of our craftsmen at The Balvenie but we're not about maintaining tradition for tradition's sake.

"Our support for Slow Food is about promoting respect for traditional production methods that, in our case, are what create the Balvenie's character and make our single malt what it is."

Catherine Gazzoli of Slow Food added: "It's hard to think of a product that better embodies the principles of 'slow' than single malt Scotch.

"It's a real test of patience, skill and commitment to your craft, qualities too often forgotten in today's world of mass production."

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