The Balvenie Kicks Off 2012 Rare Craft Roadshow at Tribute Event Hosted by Nick Offerman

NEW YORK, April 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- At a celebration event hosted by television icon, actor and devoted craftsman Nick Offerman, The Balvenie, the most handcrafted Single Malt Scotch Whisky, announced today the launch of The Balvenie Rare Craft Roadshow – a nationwide search for the craftsmen and artisans across America who maintain a dedication to the practice and preservation of traditional crafts. 

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(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120411/NY84525-b)

With a host of new additions, including a custom-made movie and a focus on giving back to America's craftsmen, the 2012 Balvenie Rare Craft Roadshow builds on the success of its 2011 journey, which saw the famed distillery take part in a one-of-a-kind trans-American road trip, in search of the personalities and businesses that share its commitment to traditional craftsmanship.  The 2012 Rare Craft Roadshow will pick up where the last one left off, traveling from state to state, discovering and honoring the people who share the Balvenie's commitment to craftsmanship, while also celebrating and giving back to the burgeoning American craft community.

The event played host to the premiere of Handmade: A Celebration of American Craftsmanship, a unique 30 minute movie chronicling the cross country journey.  Filmed by acclaimed director Rob Meyer, the film highlights the state of craftsmanship in America and shines a light on some of the unsung heroes of their industries.  As part of its commitment to acknowledging that community, the Balvenie also announced details of the Rare Craft Fellowship - a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for American craftsmen to earn a trip to Scotland to spend time at the legendary distillery and apprentice under another local craftsman of their choosing. 

"As a whisky that places huge value on being truly hand crafted, we're absolutely delighted to be bringing the Rare Craft Roadshow to the next level, by demonstrating our commitment to the ever growing community of craftsmen in America." said Andrew Weir, Brand Manager for the Balvenie. "Having taken part in last year's Roadshow, I can attest to the skill, passion and dedication of the nation's artisans and we're so proud to see the spirit of our distillery shared by so many others."

"I'm tickled pink to see a brand like this making the effort to acknowledge, showcase and reward the small businesses and skilled artisans of America." said Nick Offerman.  "In addition to working as an actor, I am also a part of the community that the Balvenie is celebrating, and I proudly run Offerman Wood Shop in California, creating furniture and boats, as well as the occasional busted thumb, firewood, and foul language.  Like the Balvenie, we do things by hand not because it's the most efficient way, but because it's the right way, and it's great to be getting a pat on the back for it."

For more information on the Rare Craft Roadshow, please visit: http://www.thebalvenie.com/roadshow/ where members of the public will have the chance to nominate craftsmen to be considered for the fellowship, and see select clips from Handmade.

About the Balvenie

The Balvenie is a unique range of Single Malt whiskies hand crafted in Scotland's Speyside region by William Grant & Sons.  Created by internationally renowned malt master David Stewart, The Balvenie is unique in that it retains complete control over the five rare crafts that go into the production of its acclaimed whisky:  nowhere else will you find a distillery that still grows its own barley, malts in its own traditional malting floor, employs coopers to tend every cask, a coppersmith to maintain the stills and a malt master to ensure that the resulting spirit is consistently excellent.  It is this dedicated to producing a truly handcrafted whisky that has led to the Balvenie receiving the highest plaudits at a range of international spirits competitions, with the Balvenie 21 Year Old Portwood recently picking up the Single Malt Trophy at both the International Spirits Challenge and the International Wine and Spirits competition.

The Balvenie range includes The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (RRP $45.99), The Balvenie 14 Year old Caribbean Cask ($59.99), The Balvenie Single Barrel 15 Year Old ($64.99), The Balvenie PortWood 21 Year Old ($169.99), as well as a range of limited releases, including the coveted 17 Year Old range, which features different cask finishes (most recently Peated Cask). For further information visit www.thebalvenie.com

William Grant & Sons, Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distils some of the world's leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world's most awarded single malt Glenfiddich^®, The Balvenie^® range of handcrafted single malts and the world's fourth largest blended Scotch Grant's^® as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick's^® Gin, Sailor Jerry^® Rum, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey and the award-winning Milagro^® Tequila.

SOURCE The Balvenie