46,5°
Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands
Hogshead
Independent Bottling
By Celtic Whisky Distilleries
Limited Edition
Single Cask
Bottled in 2023
Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength
Almost Unpeated
This is the second release of independent bottlings from Celtic Whisky Distillery, these come from a batch of casks that were supposedly forgotten in the back of the distillery’s warehouses. Among others, this Ben Nevis was distilled in 1996 and released 26 years later in a limited run of 209 bottles. Since the casks were aged at the distillery itself in Brittany, it is not officially a Scotch whisky, which is why it is less expensive. The label was designed by the artist Averi.
Let's Taste It :
A lovely and fresh cereal-like aroma, fields of freshly harvested wheat, honey and molasses, slightly fermented white fruits, citrus, it’s vaguely effervescent, mellow, pear tart, peach melba, nougat, very light hint of minerality and limestone. On the palate, it’s smoother, lighter, very supple, subtle oak, egg custard, a dash of vanilla, dried pineapple, subtle spices, sun-kissed herbs. Very long finish, full of almonds, cooked pears, a touch of exoticism, and even tropical notes, banana split, papaya, cheesecake, chives.
In Short,
I’ll be very clear, this is a far cry from the usual 1996 Ben Nevis whiskies, the fruit is less pronounced, the exotic notes are almost exclusively present in the finish, and the alcohol content feels a bit low on the palate. It’s still a very good whiskey, though, with a highly complex nose and a superb finish. It used to be available at a really attractive price exclusively at Le Comptoir Irlandais, a French retail chain, but now it’s completely sold out, which is hardly surprising.
Score : 89
To Be Listened While Sipping :
Steven Wilson - On Chapel Slope
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