Balvenie reveals its smooth secrets

Expect growing demand this year for William Grant and Son's other malt whisky. We all know about Glenfiddich, but Balvenie has been kept something of a secret. It is very different from Glenfiddich despite the proximity of the two distilleries and the use of the same water source.

Balvenie is smoother and sweeter than the more astringent Glenfiddich. It has just celebrated its centenary and is just beginning to appear on a wider front than previously in English off-licence and duty-free outlets.

There is the 10-year-old Founder's Reserve, the 12-year-old Double Wood aged in traditional whisky casks as well as old sherry casks, and the 15-year-old Single Barrel with hand numbered labels affirming the fine distinctions between each 300-bottle cask.