30 Year Old 1996 The Whisky Agency 'Made for Friends' 2026 Sherry Butt

About

This 30-year-old Ben Nevis from 1996 demonstrates the potential of a well-chosen sherry butt to enhance rather than dominate a spirit of this caliber. Bottled by The Whisky Agency as part of their 'Made for Friends' 2026 release, this expression maintains the distillery's trademark mineral character and complexity despite three decades in active wood. The nose reveals layers of acacia honey, walnuts, and exotic fruits, punctuated by subtle tobacco and ink notes that suggest considerable depth. On the palate, exotic fruits—tangerines, grapefruit, and passion fruit—take center stage alongside nutty notes and a pleasant salinity that anchors the spirit. The structure is impressive, with sharp citrus accents and a whisper of buttermilk lending intrigue to the composition. The finish extends long and gracefully, with lingering tropical notes, walnuts, and grapefruit creating a memorable finale. A testament to Ben Nevis's ability to stand up to sherry wood while maintaining its distinctive character.

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