News & Events · July 2026
The Whisky Firm is proud to announce that two of its single-cask releases have won top honours at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards (WWA) — Scotland’s most prestigious annual whisky competition. Both expressions, distilled in 1996 and aged for 29 years, claimed category and regional champion titles in their respective categories.
Ben Nevis 1996 — WWA 2026 Gold & Scottish Highland Champion
In the Scottish Highland Single Cask Single Malt category, our Ben Nevis Vintage 1996 was awarded Gold and named Category Winner — the highest accolade in its class.
Distilled in 1996 and matured for 29 years in a Bourbon Hogshead (Cask #406), this expression was bottled in 2025 as a limited release of just 186 bottles.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Bright tropical fruit — pineapple, mango and lemon meringue — with a hint of fresh grapefruit zest and a gentle wisp of tobacco.
Palate: Rich and oily, with deep brown sugar, sweet sultanas and classic aged character.
Finish: Harmonious and long, with sandalwood, white pepper and a delicate tobacco note.
Burnside 1996 — WWA 2026 Scottish Lowland Champion
Our Burnside Vintage 1996 claimed the Category Winner title in the Scottish Lowland Single Cask Single Malt category — a remarkable double triumph for The Whisky Firm at this year’s awards.
Distilled at the historic Balvenie Distillery in 1996 and matured for 29 years in a Hogshead (Cask #7411), this expression was bottled at natural cask strength of 54.4% ABV, with only 105 bottles released worldwide.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Warm honey and lemon with fresh grass, orchard fruit, marshmallow, honeysuckle and lemon meringue pie.
Palate: Creamy and delicate, with vanilla, white pepper, fresh pear, nutmeg and a touch of butterscotch. Malt-forward and elegantly balanced.
Finish: Smooth and refined, with lingering vanilla and gentle spice.
The Whisky Firm — Purity, Perfected. We source and bottle exceptional single-cask whiskies from across Scotland and the United Kingdom, with a commitment to quality, transparency and heritage.
