In celebration of its exemplary craftsmanship, The Balvenie, a renowned single malt whisky known for its intricate handcrafting process, recently collaborated with local miniature diorama artist Lim Pui Wan to bring its iconic distillery to life. The Makers Project aims to showcase the passion, creativity, heart, and skill that goes into producing The Balvenie’s exceptional whisky, inviting whisky enthusiasts to appreciate the craftsmanship behind their favourite single malt.

Lim Pui Wan, a 26-year-old artist acclaimed for her intricate miniature dioramas, recreated The Balvenie’s distillery in stunning detail. The artwork pays homage to the five rare crafts that make The Balvenie unique: the Farmers who grow and harvest the barley, the Malt Men who turn the raw barley into malt, the Coppersmiths who craft and maintain the stills, the Coopers who repair and rebuild the casks, and the Malt Master who oversees the creation of all whiskies.

“We are constantly seeking to partner with individuals who share our passion for creating the extraordinary. Our collaboration with Pui Wan perfectly exemplifies this, as her brand’s ideals align seamlessly with ours. For this year’s Makers Project, we are proud to offer consumers the chance to embark on a unique journey and get first-hand experience of the distillery behind this remarkable liquid crafted with heart.”

Jyri Pylkkänen, Regional Malts Brand Ambassador of Southeast Asia (SEA)

The detailed model allows consumers to step into the world of ultimate craftsmanship that The Balvenie embodies. The Balvenie is the only distillery in Scotland that maintains all five of its rare and essential crafts in-house. From the farmers who grow and harvest the barley in the fields adjacent to the distillery, to the malt men who transform the raw barley into malt on the on-site floor maltings, each step is carried out with meticulous care.

The coppersmiths play a vital role, crafting and maintaining the copper stills that impart The Balvenie’s signature honeyed flavour and character. The coopers, with their specialized skills honed over four years of apprenticeship and many more years of experience, repair and rebuild the casks that imbue the whisky with its unique personality. At the heart of this process is Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie, who oversees the creation of all The Balvenie whiskies. Using her highly trained sense of smell, McKechnie ensures the consistency of the whiskies, blending notes and characters to maintain the iconic Balvenie profile.

For close to 130 years, The Balvenie has stood tall on the whisky world stage, known for its prestige and pursuit of excellence. It is the only distillery where every stage of the process, from grain to glass, can be witnessed. The Balvenie is also the only distillery with all five of the precious rare crafts, a testament to its dedication to preserving traditional methods and ensuring the highest quality.

Through this collaboration, Lim Pui Wan’s artwork beautifully captures the essence of The Balvenie whisky, highlighting its exceptional quality that embodies rich heritage and uncompromising excellence. The Makers Project invites whisky enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the world of The Balvenie, appreciating the passion, creativity, and skill that go into every bottle of this iconic single malt.

“For The Makers Project, I found profound inspiration in the timeless journey of artistry involved in whisky making. The meticulous precision and unique stylistic elements inherent in my creations reflect the ethos of ultimate craftsmanship that The Balvenie embodies. This project celebrates the intricate processes and heartfelt dedication that go into every bottle of whisky, mirroring my own commitment to creating art that tells a story, as we aim to honour the legacy of true artisanship.”

Lim Pui Wan

By bringing the distillery to life through a miniature diorama, The Balvenie and Lim Pui Wan have created a unique opportunity for consumers to connect with the brand on a deeper level, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for the craftsmanship that sets The Balvenie apart in the whisky industry.

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Photos by The Balvenie