Ben Nevis, Benriach, Tullibardine, Balmenach (Maltbarn)

The Limburg festival is coming up. Since some people are asking me about it: yes, I will be there on Saturday. Don't hestitate to come over and say hello. Maltbarn will present a series of new releases in Limburg, six if I'm not mistaken. We've had a sneak peak so here are our first thoughts on the Ben Nevis 1996, Benriach 1995, Balmenach 2002 and Tullibardine 1993. Most of these are names and vintages that we've seen before, perhaps split casks.  Ben Nevis 29 yo 1996 (47,6%, Maltbarn 2026, bourbon cask, 152 btl.) Nose: bingo. A very waxy profile, quite sophisticated. Ripe pears, some quinces and hay. But really it is mostly about vegetal oils, some rubbed lemon skins and green leaves, along with subtle drops of menthol and whiffs of wool and grist. High complexity, but no fruit overload yet. Mouth: still not bursting with fruits - mostly about the sweetish oiliness again. Beeswax, paraffin and pollen, mixed with chalk. Mid-palate some mango and peach comes out, with candied lemon

by Ruben · source ↗