Luxury whisky brand The Balvenie has joined forces with acclaimed British jewellery designer Ellie Mercer to craft an exclusive collector’s chess set. Blending traditional techniques with contemporary artistry, this collaboration is a unique celebration of craftsmanship, design, and the timeless pursuit of meaningful connection.
As digital fatigue drives people to seek screen-free leisure activities, The Balvenie x Ellie Mercer Luxury Chess Set invites enthusiasts to slow down and rediscover the joys of strategic play over a glass of premium whisky.
Retailing at £1,650, the set will be available exclusively at Fortnum & Mason from 4th February 2025, packaged in a luxurious gift box alongside The Balvenie Twenty-Five,a coveted whisky from the Rare Marriages Collection.
The Intersection of Craftsmanship and Design
The collaboration forms part of The Makers Project, The Balvenie’s ongoing initiative to highlight modern creativity and skilled artisanship. Ellie Mercer, renowned for her bold and intricate jewellery designs, has extended her expertise into the realm of luxury homeware with this partnership. The result is a striking chess set that merges her contemporary aesthetic with the precision and heritage synonymous with The Balvenie.
Mercer’s design philosophy draws inspiration from The Balvenie distillery itself. The set features materials and motifs that echo the whisky-making process, such as polished brass, solid oak reminiscent of cask heads, and deep amber resin inspired by the golden hues of the whisky.
The chess pieces, crafted from chocolate-marble and amber resin, evoke the rich tones and textures of The Balvenie’s signature drams, creating a harmonious blend of function and artistry.
“Working with The Balvenie has been an incredible journey,” said Mercer. “Its dedication to craftsmanship is truly admirable. The chess set embodies this ethos,it’s contemporary in design yet rooted in craft, using oak to recognise the role of The Balvenie Coopers. I aimed to create something that not only excites visually but invites people to slow down and savour both the game and the whisky.”
An Experience Beyond the Board
The chess set is more than just a collector’s item; it’s a tactile and visual celebration of craftsmanship. Each element of the design reflects the meticulous process behind The Balvenie’s whisky-making. The board itself, crafted from solid oak, features brass inlays and marbled resin squares that embody the fusion of tradition and modernity.
This commitment to artistry extends to the accompanying bottle of The Balvenie Twenty-Five. Part of the Rare Marriages Collection, this whisky offers a complex palette of almond, candied orange peel, and chamomile, balanced by the crispness of quality oak. Together, the chess set and whisky create an immersive experience designed to be savoured, shared, and celebrated.
Sean Fennelly, UK Brand Ambassador for The Balvenie, emphasised the significance of the collaboration: “Craft is at the heart of everything we do at The Balvenie, and this collaboration perfectly embodies that ethos. Working with Ellie Mercer has allowed us to take the spirit of innovation that drives our whisky-making and translate it into something at once beautiful and meaningful. The chess set is a representation of tradition and precision, but also creativity and patience,all qualities that define our process at The Balvenie.”
A Celebration of Creativity Through The Makers Project
Now in its fourth year, The Makers Project continues to honour the ethos of craftsmanship by partnering with creative visionaries who share The Balvenie’s passion for quality and precision. From whisky-making to jewellery design, this initiative champions the individuals and processes that elevate traditional techniques into modern masterpieces.
Mercer’s inclusion in this project highlights her ability to translate her expertise in jewellery design into a sculptural, functional piece of art. Known for her handcrafted creations that merge bold-coloured resin with precious metals, she brings a fresh perspective to the world of luxury interiors.
Availability and Exclusive Experiences
For collectors and enthusiasts unable to secure one of the limited-edition sets, The Balvenie and Ellie Mercer have created an interactive experience at The Guards Bar and Lounge in Raffles London at The OWO. Beginning 4th February 2025, visitors can explore the chess set while enjoying a dram of The Balvenie from the Rare Marriages Collection, providing an opportunity to engage with the collaboration in a refined setting.
Priced at £1,650, the chess set and whisky package represents the ultimate luxury gift for connoisseurs of fine craftsmanship and premium whisky. This limited-edition release underscores The Balvenie’s dedication to innovation and artistry while offering a timeless celebration of strategy, design, and tradition.
Images: David Emery
