Eau De Vie to showcase extremely rare whiskies at degustation dinner

By Deb Jackson, Editor Beer & Brewer and National Liquor News

Eau De Vie in Melbourne will celebrate the venue’s monumental coup in securing the final edition of The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter One, worth $57,000, with an exclusive degustation dinner on 20 September.

These unique drams form a rare series of single cask whiskies and only 50 editions were produced globally, all of which have now been sold into private collections, with Eau De Vie being the only bar in the world where Scotch lovers can enjoy a tasting.

At $1,500 per head, the intimate soiree will see 16 special guests taste five extremely rare and unique Single Malt Scotch Whiskies aged up to 46 years.

The DCS Compendium was launched in 2015 by iconic The Balvenie Malt Master, David Stewart, as a magnificently detailed handover of one man’s skill, knowledge and craftsmanship from his 54 years of experience in the industry at premium independent family owned Scottish distillery William Grant & Sons. The ambitious collection comprises of 25 whiskies (five Chapters in total), released over five years, to celebrate his career.

As well as experiencing the whiskies, guests will be treated to a five-course degustation dinner set in ‘The Library’ room on Eau De Vie’s custom made degustation table, inspired by not only the whiskies themselves, but the iconic distillery in which they were created.

More details about the menu, designed by Eau De Vie’s Head Chef, Paul Bertheau, will be revealed in the coming weeks. The opulent five courses will be complemented by each of the rare whiskies, which includes the 1968 Aged 46 years, 1978 Aged 37 years, 1985 Aged 30 Years, 1997 Aged 17 years, 2005 Aged nine years.

Geoff Fewell, Head of Whisky at Eau De Vie says: “It’s a real honour to be able to share such amazing Whisky that shows the life work of David Stewart, a true legend of the Whisky industry. To be the only bar in the world with this range available is really exciting.”

Guests will be guided through their gastronomic journey by Fewell and The Balvenie Brand Ambassador Ross Blainey. They will also receive a personalised invitation, a copy of the menu, a copy of the original DCS Compendium book signed by David Stewart and a one of a kind Scottish Glencairn crystal glass.

Blainey says: “The Balvenie DCS Compendium really is an incredible showcase of David’s knowledge, passion and craftsmanship. To be able to partner with Eau De Vie for the world’s first public tasting event of this rare whisky is amazing and we can’t wait to share Chapter One with our guests.”

Tickets to the exclusive event are on sale this week. For more information, or to purchase a ticket, click here.