Ben Nevis 1984 Single Cask Exclusively for La Maison du Whisky 28 yo

 

 

 

55°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

1st Fill American Oak Bourbon Barrel and Refill Sherry Hogshead Finish 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2013

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

When the distillery was acquired by the Nikka Group in 1989, they explored the warehouses and came across a whole batch of casks distilled in 1984, the contents of which they decided to transfer into Sherry Puncheons, which they considered to be of a higher quality. However, there was a limited supply of sherry puncheons, and eventually they transferred the last cask, this one, to a refill sherry hogshead in October 1998. As a result, this whisky spent 13 years and ten months in a bourbon barrel, and just 15 years in a refill sherry hogshead. The finishing period was longer than the initial maturation. The Sherry cask number is 98/35/14, which initially led me to believe it was three casks rather than just one. But it is indeed a Single Cask, it’s just that the cask number is a bit odd. This cask was subsequently selected by La Maison du Whisky to be divided into 247 bottles and reserved primarily for the French market. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A walk in the forest: thick bark, acorns, ferns, dark, damp earth. Chocolate fondant, sticky caramel, dates and dried bananas. Enchanting woody notes, with hints of lacquer and varnish, acacia honey, peach stones and walnuts. On the palate, it’s more restrained, the oak has been glazed, the fruit is stewed and cooked, vanilla pudding. The spices are subtle yet intense. A fairly long finish, where the oak comes to the fore, resin cream, pine cones, chickpeas, light herbaceous notes. Raisins, a few sweet and syrupy notes. Bread fresh from the oven.

 

In Short, 

The nose is quite wonderful, with a distinct character, it’s a recognisable Ben Nevis, but it has something extra, I can’t quite put my finger on it, a waxy quality, notes of red fruit jam. The palate and finish are less distinctive, but very pleasant. So this is a top-quality Ben Nevis, yet another one, which you can still find on the La Maison du Whisky website, though at a completely ridiculous price. 

Score : 90 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                   To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                            Elanor Moss - Fixer

Ben Nevis 2018 Hidden Spirits 7 yo

 

 

 

53,1°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

2d Fill Sherry, Peated Cask

Independent Bottling 

By Hidden Spirits 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

Also part of the Glasgow Bus Series, this 7-year-old Ben Nevis has been matured entirely in a second-fill sherry cask, which was previously filled with peated whisky. This gives the product a smoky character, a practice often seen at Ben Nevis, but not with sherry casks. Only 150 bottles are available for sale. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The peat is not too strong, the smoke is evanescent, and blends effortlessly with salty and fruity, even mineral notes. Melting chocolate, ripe mirabelle plums, spicy wood, dried dates and figs. Cold ashes, burnt coffee beans, meringue cream and flambéed banana. On the palate, damp leather and oak bark, liquid honey, sweet plums, caramel cream. Shimmering spices and subtle smoke. A fairly long and powerful finish, resinous wood, blowtorch-caramelised sugar, greengage clafoutis, cocoa, dry earth and a hint of salt.

 

In Short, 

True to its pedigree, this Ben Nevis is intense, complex and rich, as well as full of smoke. It has a beautiful character, but with a certain subtlety despite the youthfulness of the product. A lovely bottling, worth buying as the price is really low. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Sledges - June is Better Than July

Ben Nevis 2015 Artist #15 The Dark Side of the Moon 10 yo

 

 

 

58,3°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

1st Fill Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated 

 

 

 

This year, the Artist range is launching not one, but two series. The first was Something in the Water, created in collaboration with Elixir Distillers. The second is this one, The Dark Side of the Moon, created with the assistance of Signatory Vintage. And I'm starting with this 10-year-old Ben Nevis, finished in a first-fill sherry butt. 655 bottles were filled, and the artwork decorating the label is by Sthenjwa Luthuli and is untitled.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A sherry at its best, with syrupy red fruits, blueberries, cherries, redcurrants, exotic wood, a drop of balsamic vinegar, subtle mineral notes and liquorice, blood oranges, dark melting chocolate, black damp earth, a hint of pepper, terracotta, dates and saffron. On the palate, liquid honey, argan oil, coffee, blackberry jelly, raspberries and wild strawberries, orange blossom. Spices mingle with wood. Very slightly vinous finish, chestnut cream, dry leaves, bark, dried apricots, red fruit paste. Pan-fried mushrooms with parsley.

In Short, 

An intense, dark and foresty sherry, it's difficult to identify the distillery's profile, but that doesn't matter because it's really good and original, dirty, full of personality. Ben Nevis whiskies always have something extra, and in this case, the cask is truly excellent. A few more years and it would have been truly great, though. As for the price, it's reasonable, so buying it would be no shame.

Score : 89

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Etta Marcus - Teenage Messiah

Ben Nevis 2015 Whisky Live Paris 2025 10 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

Signatory Vintage was responsible for the special bottling in honour of Whisky Live Paris 2025, and for the occasion we were provided with this Ben Nevis finished in a 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt. We don't know how long the second maturation lasted, nor where the first one took place, but at least it's a Single Cask. 856 bottles were on sale, exclusively at the exhibition shop. I assume it's non-chill filtered and non-coloured, because it's Signatory Vintage, but there's no mention of this anywhere.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It starts off airy, then develops into thick sherry, crushed cherries, redcurrant jam, raspberry coulis. Traces of charcoal, floral notes, light iridescent smoke, a pinch of salt and a few malted cereals. Smooth and sparkling woodiness reminiscent of the distillery's profile. On the palate, there are fewer red fruits, but it is sweeter, juicy pears and orange peel, raisins, dates, various spices, pepper, nutmeg, cumin. The finish is quite long and punchy, charcoal, coastal notes, soft sand, iodine, caramel and liquorice, dark tobacco, marzipan.

 

In Short, 

It's very pleasant to drink, the sherry does its job well, but you lose a little of the distillery's profile. For me, it's a good whisky with a strong sherry presence. It's well made and complex, but it lacks originality, I've drunk plenty of big sherries like this. What's more, it's reduced. On the plus side, the price is really low for a single cask. That's why it's sold out everywhere at the moment.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Fleurie - White Lace

Ben Nevis 28 yo Macbeth A Whisky Collection The Thanes Series Ross

 

 

 

50,4°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

Refill Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

To embody the character of Ross, who plays a relatively important role in Macbeth, what could be better than a Ben Nevis? The aim is to find a whisky that matches each of the characters in Shakespeare's tragedy. It's an idea from Livingstone, an independent whisky company, but to accomplish this crazy project, they are getting help from Elixir Distillers, which has the necessary resources. The illustrations are the work of Sir Quentin Blake. This Ben Nevis is the result of a blend of Refill Hogsheads, which yielded 850 bottles.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It starts off as herbal and ends up being floral. At first, sage and thyme, but also evanescent fruits, mirabelle plums, mandarins, white peaches, banana, with some salty, even mineral, fuzzy notes. At the end, sweet floral scents that tend towards vanilla, jasmine, mimosa, and even chlorophyll. On the palate, it is robust and intense, spicy, with slivered almonds, grapefruit, ginger, red apples, nutmeg and cloves. Still-warm caramel, brioche. The finish is long, explosive, slightly smoky and earthy, roasted chestnuts and still plant-based, bay leaves, lush grass, delicate woodiness, a hint of peppermint.

 

In Short, 

An excellent Ben Nevis, albeit somewhat atypical, very fruity and spicy despite its simple maturation. The nose is magnificent, the rest is very solid, and in keeping with this ever-impressive distillery. It seems that brewer's yeast was used for fermentation, which was very long. It would partly explain the exceptional quality of this distillate. The price is of course excessive, but what is money compared to love?

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Medusa Underground - Lowlands

Ben Nevis 1997 S Spirits Shop' Selection c. 698

 

 

 

47,6°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Spirits Shop' Selection

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

I don't know how they do it, but the people at Spirits Shop have lots of casks of Ben Nevis, including some exceptional ones distilled in 1996. This one was made in 1997, and is the only one with this vintage. It is included in the Dong Fang Ming Series, named after the founder of the company. The maturation is very straightforward, which promises an intense distillate. 252 bottles are put on sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Light smoke, apple compote, vanilla crumble, braised pineapple, juicy plums, warm brioche. A twist of lime. Baked pears, a drizzle of milk chocolate, a few drops of beeswax. Copper highlights, liquid honey. It's smooth on the palate, honey cakes, zlabia, candied grapefruit, almond paste, then the spices rise slowly, white pepper. Hazelnuts. Very long finish, quite powerful given the low alcohol content, syrupy caramel, waxed tinder, olive oil, peanuts, fresh dates. Liquorice stick.

 

In Short, 

A Ben Nevis that's a little unusual, but superbly good, that can be enjoyed until the end of the night. The only major flaw is a regrettable lack of strength, except in the finish. You really have to drink it first to get the full flavour. Launched nearly two years ago, it can still be found on several online sites. The price is high, but it's worth it.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           TTSSFU - I Hope You Die

Ben Nevis 1997 East Village Whisky Bottled for the 5th Anniversary of Whisky Maniac 26 yo

 

 

 

49,7°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

Refill Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By East Village Whisky Company

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

This Ben Nevis was produced in the golden era, between 1996 and 1998, so it's bound to be something very good. Bottled to celebrate the 5th anniversary of Whisky Maniac, the site that sells, exclusively I believe, bottles of East Village Whisky Company, it's the product of a special occasion. The cask used is a Refill Sherry Butt, so we can only hope that the distillate is not too distorted by the wood. 490 bottles were put on sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A light woodiness with warm chestnuts, chocolate chips, spring cereals, egg yolk, quince purée, tarte Tatin, a good dose of cinnamon, butterscotch, an ounce of exotic fruit in the background, pineapple, papaya, guava, passion fruit. Vaporous smoke tinged with peat. On the palate, it's nectar, rosewater, lychee, orgeat syrup, very light vanilla, and spices full of character, pepper and cumin. Malty, cereal notes. A few clumps of peat. Very long finish, just the right amount of power, kola nut, spritz, vanilla bean, wood and soft caramel, very slight bitterness, fermented barley. Egg mochi. Rice cake.

 

In Short, 

At first, it's a very good Ben Nevis, weighed down by a Sherry that's not too invasive, then it becomes exotic, even Far Eastern, without leaving the world of whisky at all. The malt and cereals are very much in evidence. A long journey, while remaining true to its roots. That said, I was expecting a bit more from this one, given the distillery's reputation, especially when distillation took place at that time. But it's still an excellent whisky, sold at the normal market price, which is to say rather expensive.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           The End of The Ocean - We Always Think There is Going to Be More Time

Ben Nevis 2012 Single Cask Collection Foundations 11 yo

 

 

 

59,4°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands 

American Wine Cask 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

In 2023, a 10-year old Ben Nevis caused a sensation at Whisky Live Paris, because it had been aged in an American wine cask, and the profile was truly original. Last year, at the latest Whisky Live Paris, we were treated to the sister cask, another Ben Nevis aged in an American wine cask, but this time aged for 11 years. It was integrated into the Collection Foundations to produce the same effect as its predecessor, but this time the comments were less enthusiastic. 264 bottles were put up for sale. 

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It's complex on the nose, but very vinous all the same, with several woody phases, peach and apricot stones, balsamic vinegar, pan-fried mushrooms, red fruit purée, citrus fruits, lime, grapefruit. On the palate, the distillery's profile comes back a little, with exotic fruits, but also swamps, chocolate for cakes, forest berries, some red fruits, but more redcurrants, expressive spices, cloves, nutmeg, cumin. Long, powerful, deep finish, charcoal and damp earth, black radish, roots, liquorice, cooked apples. 

 

In Short, 

This time, the magic didn't work as well. It's very interesting, but the balance isn't perfect, the cask eats up a bit of the distillery's character. It's still very complex and nuanced, even deep, but there's no real overall idea, the different markers are scattered and don't form a coherent whole. That said, I liked the finish, which I found perfect. The nose isn't bad and the palate is intense, it's a good, even very good whisky, but it's not a success either. As for the price, it's really high and not worth buying. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Savages - You're My Chocolate

Ben Nevis 2012 The Duchess 12 yo

 

 

 

54,7°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

Bourbon Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By The Duchess

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

Bottles of young Ben Nevis are becoming more and more common, and I've noticed that they often undergo ageing or even finishing that is, to say the least, original. Most of the time it's Sherry, but recent bottlings have also included Montravel or American wine. And when it's simply Bourbon ageing, the distillate is more peated than usual. Why these experiments? Isn't Ben Nevis good enough in a simple Hogshead? That's what we're going to see with this one, which was aged very simply, but still lasted 12 years. 284 bottles came out of the cask, inserted in the Game & Wildlife Series range. I wasn't familiar with this bottler, who has only produced around 14 products in over 10 years of existence, but they mainly make rum. The label was designed by Hans Dillesse. 

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Brioche, ethereal vanilla, juicy exotic fruits, earthy peat, limestone, a pinch of icing sugar, almond paste, pineapple, grapefruit, cooked banana. Maritime fragrances, sea spray, kelp, foam, small shellfish. On the palate, candied citrus fruits, cannoli, with a touch of sparkle and wood, lively spices, pepper, paprika, nutmeg, lychees, duck fat. Long and almost explosive finish, crushed hazelnuts, beeswax, liquid honey, fine sand, bulgur. Roasted barley. A few grains of salt.  

 

In Short, 

I feel a little annoyed to say so, but this is an excellent Ben Nevis, not far removed from their legendary, much older productions. The intensity of the fruit is incredible, and the maritime touches are superb. And what's more, it's sold at a very low price. I hope that, by saying this, I'm not going to provoke a rush on this bottle, because I haven't bought it yet. So I'd strongly recommend buying it, but only when I've got mine. 

Score : 89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Rùnahild - Fylgja

Ben Nevis 1998 S Spirits Shop' Selection c. 1483

 

 

 

41,9°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Spirits Shop' Selection

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

And this is a third Ben Nevis brought to us by The Spirits Shop' Selection, a company founded in Taiwan in 2014. This time, it is distilled in 1998, but the maturation is as minimalist as ever, much to our delight. 120 bottles have been made available.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Pastry vanilla, chestnut cream, with a light saline breeze, the mineral notes become dirtier. The exotic fruits are more discreet, replaced by citrus fruits, blood orange, pineapple and grapefruit. On the palate, the fruit is more jammy, the vanilla combines with hay and warm wax. Discreet spices, nutmeg, white pepper. The finish is very long and earthy, with shortbread biscuits dipped in milk, charcoal chips or chocolate, crushed peanuts and cream.

 

In Short, 

It's dirtier than the previous two, the exotic fruits are much less present, there's more minerality and hay, with citrus and vanilla forming a fine balance. I find it a little less successful than the first two, but I'd recommend buying it if I knew where to find it, and at what price.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Frank Kinsel - If It Wasn't for you

Ben Nevis 1996 S Spirits Shop' Selection c. 1602

 

 

 

46,8°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands 

Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Spirits Shop' Selection 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

And this is the sister cask of the previous one, distilled in the same year, same age, same maturation, only the cask number has changed. 157 bottles are on sale. The Taiwanese company founded in 2014 is striking hard with this series of Ben Nevis.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The honey is a little more marbled, woody, but the exotic fruits are still there, pineapple, mango, kiwi, papaya, with hints of apricot and banana, but it's lighter, more balanced, smoother. Buttered bread, beeswax, whipped cream, with a mineral character typical of the distillery. On the palate, it moves towards passion fruit, maple syrup and peach. It's well-tempered, with discreet spices and a delicate woodiness that balances it all out. It's creamy, milky. The finish is again very long, fruity, wood and resin, soft caramel, shortbread biscuits, bark, chestnuts.

 

In Short, 

The profile is very similar to that of the sister cask, dominated by exotic fruits and wax, an excellent Ben Nevis, just like we all dream of. Only this one is a little less exuberant, a little more influenced by the wood, which tempers the ardour of the distillate. On the other hand, it is more balanced, more elegant. In either case, I'd like to be able to recommend a purchase, but it's nowhere to be found, and I have no idea how much it will cost.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Randy Newman - My Country

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

Ben Nevis 2019 100 Proof Edition #17 5 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

Refill Oloroso Sherry Butts

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Heavily Peated

 

 

 

This is the 3rd Ben Nevis in this range, launched almost a year ago now, and it is an exact copy of Ben Nevis #1, distilled in the same year, with the same maturation and more or less the same peat intensity. Only this one is a year older. But in both cases, these are very young whiskies. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Quite soft and mineral peat, a pinch of icing sugar, scallops and razor clams. Nice wispy and earthy smoke. Behind, honey and tobacco, vanilla and liquorice, with a light woodiness, it's the very recognisable Ben Nevis profile. Peanut butter, soft toffee. A pinch of salt. On the palate, apple and blood orange, a touch of candle wax, then dynamic spices. Powerful, even explosive finish, royal jelly, fine sand, hazelnuts and vanilla bean. Raw chestnuts.

 

In Short, 

I think it's the best of the three. The #1 was a bit more rustic because you didn't smell the Sherry casks as much. With #5, on the contrary, you could smell them too much, and it overpowered the distillery's identity. Here, there's a good balance between the peat on one side, the Sherry on the other, and the distillery's profile on the third. It's not overly complex, but it's very pleasant. Given the ridiculous price, I'd strongly advise buying it. It's not a great whisky, but you're sure to have a good time.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Skloss - The Pattern Speaks

Ben Nevis 2012 Malts of Scotland 12 yo

 

 

 

56,9°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

Sherry Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Malts of Scotland

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

This Ben Nevis matured in a Sherry Hogshead for 12 years was selected and specially bottled for the DeinWhisky.de website. The cask yielded 274 bottles. In the same batch, there is a Benriach of the same age, bottled for the same site, which has exclusive sales of both expressions. I asked for the Benriach, but the site made a mistake and sent me the Ben Nevis instead.

Let's Taste It : 

Floral sherry, lilac and bougainvillea, damp wood, fresh figs, exotic fruits, maracuja, dragon fruit, persimmon. An ounce of smoke. Beetroot. Blueberries, blackcurrants. It's silky on the palate, with drops of honey, lemon and pineapple, banana, then fierce spices, pepper and cumin. Damp wood. Quite long finish, suitably explosive, cloves and nutmeg, soft caramel, a dash of melted chocolate, a slightly bitter woody touch, black radish. Various roots, damp earth.

 

In Short, 

It's very well made, with a certain character. But I don't find the distillery's profile, which is a shame, the Sherry is a bit too overpowering. Nevertheless, it's a very pleasant experience, especially with the finish, and the price is really interesting. I'd recommend buying it, especially as there's still some left, which I find surprising.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Germinate Records Band - Easy to Adore

Ben Nevis 2015 100 Proof Edition #5 8 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

1st and 2d Fill Oloroso Sherry Casks 

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

This is the second Ben Nevis in the 100 Proof range launched by Signatory earlier this year. The first was heavily peated and the Sherry casks were refill; this one is barely peated, and the Sherry casks are more prominent.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Damp leather, red fruit, quince jam, prunes, smoky wood, cinnamon, viandox, tannins. Behind, fruity freshness, sparkling mirabelle plum, a drop of honey. Fruit pastes. Melting caramel. Alcohol averagely integrated. On the palate, lots of spice, liqueur-like raspberry, chilli, mustard, red pepper, steak juice. Very powerful finish, quite long, wood juice, spongy bark, cola, elderberry, raw chestnuts. Hazelnuts and chocolate. A hint of vanilla. Vegetal touches.

 

In Short, 

I found the Sherry too powerful and the wood has worked too much. The result is quite dirty and deep, which is good, but also unbalanced and very woody, which I liked less. On the palate, it's good, but very spicy. The finish makes up for all that, being intense, long and beautiful. The result is an uneven whisky, with some fine qualities but also many flaws. I didn't find any of the identity of this distillery, which I like very much. Personally, I'm not sure I'd recommend buying it, but I liked the finish.

Score : 87 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           VOLA - Bleed Out

Ben Nevis 2012 Cadenhead's Original Collection 11 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

Bourbon Hogdheads

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Almost Unpeated

This Ben Nevis, aged in Bourbon Hogsheads, has all the makings of a pleasant opening to a tasting session. The discreet ageing process will allow the distillate to speak for itself. Nothing on the number of bottles produced.

Let's Taste It : 

You'll immediately recognise the distillery, this is pure Ben Nevis, the quintessential distillate. Applesauce seasoned with cinnamon and whipped cream, icing sugar, citrus fruits, moist forest, barley sugar soaked in pineapple juice, white grapes and mirabelle plums. Banana sweets. On the palate, more fruit, vanilla, a zest of lemon and grapefruit, a pinch of salt, indulgent spices. Cereals and redcurrants. Quite a long finish, powerful just as it should be, salted butter toffee, dates, figs, cola, liquorice stick.

 

In Short, 

If you like this distillery, you have to taste it at least once. It's 100% Ben Nevis, and that's when you realise just how full of character this distillate is. It's a pity that it's reduced and a bit young, it could have made an exceptional bottling with a little more patience. But at least it's not too expensive.

Score : 87

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           M.A.N. and The Maniacs - My House

SMWS 2013 78.65 Garbanzo's Cajun Train Ride 9 yo

 

 

 

67,7°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

2d Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

This is the 65th bottling of Ben Nevis by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, a private club and independent bottler founded in 1983 by Pip Hills. And it's a special one because of its very high alcohol content. 529 bottles were produced.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A fairly dark Sherry on the nose, blueberry tart, damp leather and cranberry juice, but also pan-fried mushrooms, forest undergrowth, damp earth. Figs with dark chocolate, grainy cereals. It's quite violent on the palate, it has to be said, the fruit is there but the alcohol is intense, it's very peppery, with cumin and cloves, and the wood predominates. The finish is even more deadly, I found liquorice and damsons, chocolate and cinnamon, but the essential is masked by the power of the juice. Fortunately, it doesn't last that long.

 

In Short, 

It's far too powerful, so much so that you don't feel anything, apart from the feeling of having been under a train, if you don't add at least a little water. Once you've diluted it, you realise that it's quite enjoyable, but it's still a violent product, closer to a hammer than a real whisky. Worth a try nonetheless.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Perchta - Hebamm

Ben Nevis 1996 The Taste of Whisky Cervus Elaphus Scoticus 27 yo

 

 

 

54,8°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

Bourbon Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By The Taste of Whisky

Limited Edition

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength 

Almost Unpeated

The Taste of Whisky is a bottler that comes to us from Poland, launched in 2018. They recently inaugurated this Endangered Species range, which highlights an endangered species for each bottle. This one is the Volume III of the range, and it's the Scottish deer that is featured, the Cervus Elaphus Scoticus, it's even drawn on the label. The container is a Ben Nevis 1996 aged 27 years and 3 months in a Bourbon Hogshead, from which only 198 bottles were made.

Let's Taste It : 

Liquid honey and sunflower oil, plenty of white fruits, mirabelles and ripe plums, a dash of vanilla, beeswax, melted butter and royal jelly. Exotic fruits are also present, roasted pineapple, papaya and juicy mangoes. The whole blends into a lovely balance of sunshine and flowers, with a somewhat creamy caramel note. On the palate, still very fruity and honeyed, the exotic fruits are more discreet, a bit of resin and white peaches, nectarines, Conference pears, the spices are drowned in there, with apple doughnuts and rose loukoums. Quite long and relatively powerful finish, lemon and pineapple pulp, young wood, a pinch of salt, cola nut, nutmeg. Roasted hazelnuts.

 

In Short,  

Perhaps the best Ben Nevis I've ever tasted, full of exotic fruits, but also wax and butter, with just the right floral notes. A truly exceptional experience. Of course, despite the rather high price, there's not a single one left, so you'll have to scour the auctions to find one, and even then, I can't see those who will part with any.

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Anna Von Hausswolf - The Mysterious Vanishing of Electra 

Ben Nevis 2017 Artist Collective N°7.1 7 yo

 

 

 

43°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands 

2nd Fill Oloroso Sherry Butts  

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

The first in the list of the new Batch from the Artist Collective range is a 7 year old Ben Nevis matured in two Butts of 2nd Fill Oloroso Sherry. This gives a total of 1765 bottles.

Let's Taste It : 

Nice typicity of the distillery, candied mirabelle plums, light limestone and crushed almonds. A hint of Sherry adds fruitiness and sweetness, with raspberries, peaches and plantains. Orange zest, runny caramel, walnut cookies. Pleasant palate, light minerality and coconut milk, rice cake, rosewater, very light spices. Well-crafted, oily finish, fruity honey, exotic fruits, papaya, a trace of mango, brown sugar, cola, hazelnuts. Milk chocolate.

 

In Short, 

Despite the low alcohol content, the magic happens. There's always something more with this distillery. Here, the Sherry is light and only enhances the distillate's endearing characteristics, the notes of exotic fruit, honey and nuts. The whole is a success, and at an almost acceptable price. As a cask strength, it would be a must-have.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Dear Robin - Kingdom of Hope

Ben Nevis 2016 Artist Collective N°7.2 8 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

1st Fill Montravel Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Malt

Bottled in 2024 

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Heavily Peated

 

 

 

After a two-year absence, the Artist Collective range is back. We'll never know why it wasn't released in 2023. But perhaps it's because it's getting harder and harder to find quality casks that are affordable. Because one of the key principles of this range is to offer good value bottlings that are not too expensive. And in this new Batch, the 7th, we can see that there is no longer any cask strength. Presumably in order to optimise costs. This one is the only one in the new Batch with a really high alcohol content, reduced to the traditional 100° Proof. It's a blending of 3 first-fill casks of Montravel wine, a wine from south-west of France. This makes a total of 980 bottles. I notice that this new Batch has the Signatory Vintage seal. It's never been a secret that La Maison du Whisky, which launched Artist Collective, relied on Signatory Vintage casks. But this is the first time that the illustrious bottler assumes the full paternity of the product. It seems that La Maison du Whisky now only distributes the range, and no longer bottles it. Once again, this may be a question of cost.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Almost acidic red fruit, chocolate with dried fruits, grapes, goji berries, redcurrants. The whole is enhanced by a relatively discreet, earthy and vegetal peat, which gives it breadth, making it ethereal, in a way reminiscent of the distillery's profile. The palate remains very fruity, with raspberry coulis, fruit yoghurt and honeyed hints. The spices are not at all disturbing. It's quite velvety and gourmand, with vegetal notes, cloves and fennel. The finish is quite long, coppery, with a touch of espelette pepper, cherry stones, chocolate fondant.

 

In Short, 

At first, the distillery's character is clearly subdued by the casks. Then it balances out a bit, and it becomes more interesting. This is of course a very original profile, you won't find it anywhere else, but you don't recognize the distillery. For the originality, it would be worth to buy it, but it's nevertheless expensive for what it is.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           The Shaking Sensations - In Dead Silence, Hang Your Ghosts