Australia’s Largest Men’s Lifestyle publication Man of Many has joined forces with famed Scottish distillery The Balvenie for a new Australasian-exclusive five-part series that highlights the people behind the products. Entitled ‘The Makers’.

The mixed-medium campaign takes readers behind the scenes with five unique craftsmen, whose tailored skills encapsulate modern creativity across categories.

Championing the intrinsic values and processes of making, the initiative unpacks the uniquely human elements that elevate the great to the exceptional.

The original video and photography project documents a series of New South Wales-based creatives as they conceptualise, develop and craft a limited run of bespoke products inspired by the spirit of The Balvenie.

Man of Many Co-Founder, Frank Arthur said ‘The Makers’ campaign was a poignant opportunity to highlight the unheard stories of those still committed to crafting by hand, a sentiment shared by the Speyside distillery.

‘The Makers’ concept takes you beyond the surface, showing the value earned when creatives pour their heart and soul into what they do. These makers are willing to invest their time, effort and dedication in crafting the ultimate bespoke piece that can never be replicated, reproduced and bastardised. To us, that’s worthy of recognition.”

Ross Blainey, The Balvenie Brand Ambassador, Australia, and New Zealand, said: “Our craftsmen at The Balvenie have an intimate understanding of their materials and a desire to make the very best whisky possible.

“The process combines expertise, skill and ambition, which gives The Balvenie its unique character.

“Through The Makers, we can support those who display a strong character, ultimate craftsmanship and embody an entrepreneurial spirit.

“The entrepreneurial spirit is an attitude and approach to thinking that actively seeks out change rather than waiting to adapt to change.

“It’s a mindset that embraces critical questioning, innovation, services and is always looking at ways to improve. The five Makers that we have collaborated with truly embody the ultimate craftmanship and have brought The Balvenie to life in new and unique ways while staying true to their craft.

Comprising of five original photoshoots and two original video productions, ‘The Makers’ campaign will feature work from a diverse group of artisans, including:

• Bespoke Shoemaker, Atelier Stefani – The Manly-based designer handmade a limited run of sustainably sourced men’s and women’s boots inspired by The Balvenie, featuring a number of leather engravings, such as a barley stalk hidden on the inner shoe and a quote from a poem written by Robbie Gormley, who was The Balvenie’s maltman for over 45 years.
• Customer Luthier, T-Guitars – In a fitting nod to his Scottish heritage, the instrument-maker designed 10 custom guitars littered with subtle references to the distiller. The new guitars also feature ‘The Balvenie Burst’, a never-before-attempted finish that speaks to the brand’s unique maturation and cask-finishing process.
• Suiting Brand, Oscar Hunt Tailors – In addition to designing a tailored suit for The Balvenie apprentice malt distiller Kelsey McKechnie, Australian fine clothier Oscar Hunt Tailors introduced custom suit offerings that speak to the progressive nature of The Balvenie.
• Ceramicist, Milly Dent – The ceramicist created a bespoke Whisky Tumbler Set and Mushroom Lamp, inspired by the Balvenie Double-Wood 12-Year-Old release. The lamp features a pole made from copper, indirect reference to the traditional copper stills used by the Speyside distillery.
• Jewellery Designer, AHW Studio – Family business AHW Studio crafted a Sterling Silver Signet Ring that features a Smoky Quartz Crystal, otherwise known as the Cairngorm Quartz, the National Gem of Scotland, complemented by subtle barley leaf details adorning the sides.

Arthur added: “The Makers’ that were selected for this campaign truly embody the hand-crafted ethos. The products that they have created are not only stunningly designed and meticulously crafted, they also speak to the unique attachment their creators have to their chosen art form.

“We are incredibly thankful to have been able to explore this shared love of creating with a brand as wide-ranging and loved as The Balvenie.”