The Balvenie 50 Year Old Fifty: Marriage 0197 Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 70cl
The Balvenie Fifty: Marriage 0197 is a 50 year old single malt, the second release in The Balvenie's Fifty series. Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE married five American oak casks, each aged for at least half a century, and it is bottled at 42% ABV.
- Oak tannins, dark fruit, bitter chocolate and intense spice, with tobacco, sweet leather and honey
- A marriage of five American oak casks of 50 years or more; bottled at 42% ABV
- For serious collectors of very old, limited Balvenie
- 70cl hand-blown crystal decanter
The full story & FAQBackground · serving notes · questions
The Fifty series
Marriage 0197 followed Marriage 0962 and was announced in 2019. It uses the four casks from the earlier marriage plus one more, cask 9920, which David C. Stewart MBE said added an extra level of depth and intensity. All were drawn from the oldest parts of The Balvenie's stocks.
The whisky
The five American oak casks were each aged for at least 50 years. The Balvenie describes a rich, deep nose of oak tannins, dark fruit and bitter chocolate, a bold palate of malty sweetness, honey and dark chocolate, and a rich, spiced finish.
How to enjoy it
If opened, pour a small measure neat into a nosing glass and allow plenty of time. Water is not needed at 42% ABV.
Frequently asked
What does Marriage 0197 mean?
It is the identifier for this release in the Fifty series. It is the second marriage, made from the four casks of Marriage 0962 plus cask 9920.
How is it presented?
The Balvenie released it in a hand-blown, lead-free crystal decanter by Glasstorm in Tain, inside a 50-layer walnut and brass tube with an etched brass certificate.
Can I see it before I buy?
Yes. Book a private viewing at our showroom at 2 Sims Close, #02-10, through our concierge on WhatsApp +65 9680 5856.
How is it delivered?
Delivery is free with no minimum spend, and our concierge arranges the handover with you personally.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE
Profoundly aromatic — caramelised dried fruit, antique leather, dark chocolate, polished oak, gentle smoke, dried fig, vanilla, and warm baking spice — extraordinarily mature and beautifully composed.
PALATE
Velvety and concentrated — dark caramel, dried fig, sherried oak, dark cocoa, espresso, leather, gentle smoke, and warm spice — full-bodied with extraordinary depth that only fifty years can deliver.
FINISH
Exceptionally long — lingering dried fruit, dark caramel, sherried oak, gentle leather, and a slow warming spice depth fading gracefully — refined, contemplative, and unforgettable.
ABV: 46.6% ABV