Time for the third expression released for the whisky show – A Ben nevis (quite a lot of people have taken a like to the distillery lately). Released at Whisky Show 2019 as part of our Magic of the Cask series, this 1996 Ben Nevis single malt has spent 22 years in a single refill sherry butt, before being bottled in 2019 at 51.6% .
Ben Nevis 1996 , 22 Year Old Whisky Show 2019 , 51.6% , £165
Nose: sweet and fruity with heaps of luscious fruit mainly sultanas, cherries and plums. Lots of sherry goodness, wine gums and dried fruit soaked cake with a touch of sour cherries and damp earth that balances it all. Lovely.
Palate : starts quite tropical and fruity with excellent wood notes, then the sherry kicks in on the form of chocolate and Sultana, brown sugar and earth, and spices. More dark chocolate sprinkled with cinnamon, ending on big olden wood notes.
Finish : brownies, and spiced chocolate, leather and cocoa.
Conclusion: A very fruity and delicious Ben Nevis from the TWE. My favorite of the 3 I’ve taste so far (with the Coal Ila not far behind). Not cheap, but whisky is no cheap these days… is it? Buy.
Score: 90/100
Available on the TWE site for £165