Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain has teamed up with The Balvenie, makers of handcrafted single malt Scotch whisky.
Anthony Bourdain
Bourdain, known for his television shows as well as his books, and The Balvenie have formed a “multifaceted collaboration,” according to a press-release.
The partnership will include Bourdain take a leading role in a series of short films featuring makers from around the country titled, Raw Craft; The selection of the next two Fellows for the American Craft Council Rare Craft Fellowship Awards in association with The Balvenie; and curating The Balvenie 2015 Rare Craft Collection.
“For me, there is deep satisfaction in seeing people, with a particular skill set and a real passion, produce a beautiful thing, which is why I’m excited to be a part of these programs in partnership with The Balvenie,” said Bourdain.
Bourdain will serve as the host for Raw Craft, which will give viewers a behind the scenes look inside the workshops of some of the most talented and creative craftspeople in America. Each film will showcase artisans guiding him through the process while providing unique insight into the dedication and sacrifice required to produce everyday items by hand.
The trailer for the online series of short films can be found at RawCraft.us, along with the first film in the series, which highlights Borough Furnace, a metal casting workshop in Syracuse, NY producing made-to-order cast iron skillets.
Moreover, Bourdain will serve as the lead juror for the American Craft Council Rare Craft Fellowship Awards in both 2015 and 2016. Presented annually for contributions to the maintenance and revival of traditional or rare crafts in America, the Fellows will receive a trip to Scotland and a $10,000 endowment to go towards materials to continue their crafts.
The four additional finalists will receive a $5,000 endowment. This year the announcement will take place in New York on March 10, 2015.
Lastly, Bourdain will become curator of The Balvenie 2015 Rare Craft Collection, a traveling exhibition featuring original works from some of America’s finest craftspeople. Bourdain will be an integral part of selecting artisans dedicated to making handcrafted goods.
Live demonstrations, tutorials and Scotch whisky tastings with The Balvenie will all be featured during this multi-city tour beginning fall 2015.
More information on all of these initiatives is available to members of The Balvenie’s Warehouse 24. To sign up, visit us.thebalvenie.com/warehouse24
