Ben Nevis 1996 S Spirits Shop' Selection c. 1428

 

 

 

46,1°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands 

Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Spirits Shop' Selection

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

Spirits Shop' Selection was founded in 2014 by Eric Huang in Taiwan. At first, they were getting help from Sansibar to distribute their products in Europe, but now they're flying on their own. They have some treasures in their warehouses, like this Ben Nevis at least 26 years old, distilled in the mythical year 1996. It was matured in a simple Hogshead, which is ideal. Only 133 bottles went on sale. 

Let's Taste It : 

This is pure Ben Nevis, fleshy honey, exotic fruit, pineapple, crushed banana, yellow fruit, plums and mirabelles, and that little mineral touch of limestone and slate. Light vanilla, but which goes very well with mango and passion fruit. Touches of liquid wax, melted butter, royal jelly. On the palate, it's still very fruity, with sponge cake and custard, very discreet spices, marzipan, papaya and all the other fruits I've already mentioned. The finish is long, deep and even explosive, with a hint of charcoal and earth, followed by exotic and candied fruits, shortbread biscuits, breadcrumbs, crushed chestnuts.

In Short, 

A superb Ben Nevis, deliciously classic, the distillate in all its splendour, drowned in exotic fruits and a discreet indulgence. It's truly magnificent, but very simple indeed. The only problem is that this bottle is extremely hard to find, available nowhere, and I imagine the price would make you sweat.

Score : 90

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Ry Cooder - The Prodigal Son