The Balvenie is proud to present The Makers Project: The Craft that Binds, a collaborative exhibition held at alvinT Gallery during Indonesia Design Week from October 10-11 for invitation and open for public from October 12 to 20, 2024 at Indonesia Design District, PIK 2. The exhibition features The Balvenie's craftsmanship with contemporary designs by renowned Indonesian product designer Alvin Tjitrowirjo, known for his brand alvinT.
At the heart of traditional whisky craftsmanship is The Balvenie, a distillery that upholds the essence of single malt whisky-making through a deep respect for the human touch that elevates work into true mastery. For The Balvenie, this commitment is embodied in the Five Rare Crafts and the Makers behind every process: the Farmers nurturing homegrown barley, the Malt Men tending the historic malting floor, the Coppersmiths shaping the stills that infuse the whisky with its signature honeyed notes, the Coopers maintaining watertight casks, and the Malt Master overseeing every aspect of the whisky’s creation.
The Balvenie Makers have an intimate understanding of their materials and a desire to make the very best of whisky possible. The process is a combination of expertise, skill and ambition which is the same now as it has been through generations. The Makers Project embodies those essence of craftsmanship, passion, and the transformative impact that dedication can achieve. This initiative takes various forms globally, with its 2024 edition introducing a distinctive art exhibition collaboration in Indonesia, highlighting the beauty of local craftsmanship.
The Makers Project: The Craft that Binds
In this exhibition, The Balvenie and alvinT unite to celebrate the craftsmanship that shapes traditions, perspectives, and character. Tjitrowirjo has designed an immersive space where craft bridges diverse traditions, communities, and senses. The artwork, titled The Cask, a versatile cask-inspired installation, provides a gathering area with adjustable furniture, reflecting the shape of the Balvenie wooden cask used to age its whisky.
“As a creator of objects, I believe that as much as design should be seen. it should also be felt. Just like The Balvenie, my work values craftsmanship. For The Makers Project, I was inspired to create an experiential space, where people can immerse themselves in how craft connects different traditions, perspective, communities, and human senses," Tjitrowirjo expressed.
At The Makers Project, guests are invited to immerse themselves in sensory experiences—touch, smell, taste, and sound—fostering deeper connections through the storytelling from each of The Balvenie Makers. They are also invited to participate in the series of whisky-inspired craft workshops and Makers Talk, that bring together the creative profiles from diverse disciplines to share their dedication and passion in craftsmanship.
At alvinT Gallery, an exclusive whisky dinner was held to celebrate the unveiling of The Cask. The evening showcased a special curated menu, thoughtfully paired with the selection of The Balvenie’s finest single malts. Hosted by Jyri Pylkkänen, Regional Malts Brand Ambassador of William Grant & Sons, the Balvenie whisky journey started with a special tasting of The Balvenie Doublewood 12, showcasing its warm nutty sweetness and subtle spice. As the experience unfolded, new layers of flavor were revealed with the rich vanilla, sweet oak, and fruity character of The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14, followed by the velvety smoothness and lively notes of The Balvenie French Oak 16 Year. The journey culminated in the beautifully balanced The Balvenie PortWood 21, where honeyed sweetness intertwined with soft cinnamon and rounded vanilla spice.
Experience the story of the genuine craftsmanship Made by Heart at The Makers Project: The Craft that Binds, and stay up to date with the latest information from The Balvenie through Instagram @TheBalvenie or kindly visit bit.ly/TheBalvenie-TheMakersProject.
