Rich Fruit & Nut Whisky
Dried fruit is at the heart of these whiskies – raisins, sultanas, figs and dates – typically from ageing in European oak ex-sherry casks.
Flavours often found in Rich Fruit & Nut Whiskies
These whiskies are deep and dark, but can be sweet or meaty.
Including flavours like raisin, Christmas cake, cocoa, walnut, coffee and clove.
Where to begin
Welcoming, full-bodied and irresistibly moreish - these whiskies bring together rich dried fruits and gentle nutty warmth. Perfect for anyone discovering deeper, rounder flavours, or those who love a dram with real substance and sweetness.
The cream of the crop
The showstoppers - award-winning bottles and beloved classics that balance dark fruit richness with roasted nut complexity. From sherried single malts to opulent blends, these whiskies deliver indulgence in every sip.
The hidden gems
For the adventurous palate - explore lesser-known whiskies where figs, dates and walnuts intertwine with layers of oak and spice. Independent bottlings and small-batch treasures that push the boundaries of richness and depth.
How Rich Fruit & Nut whisky is made
Sampling whisky from a sherry butt (a large traditional cask)
These whiskies are invariably aged in ex-sherry casks, especially those made of European oak which provide the textbook dried fruit and dark spice character. Not all maturation is equal, however, with factors such as cask size and the number of times it's been used for whisky before (as well as the length of time the whisky spends in the casks of course) affecting how much influence the casks have.
The type of sherry is also important. Most often we're talking about rich, dry and nutty Oloroso sherry, but intense naturally sweet Pedro Ximénez is also used and sought out by many whisky fans. Other sherries are less commonly used but can provide interesting lighter styles. A great way to understand the effect they may have is to taste some different sherries yourself.
Find out more about other whisky flavours
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