Ben Nevis 16 yo 1996
(53%, TheWhiskyCask 2012, hogshead)
Ben Nevis 16 yo 1996Nose: a fruity profile with alcoholic overtones. Apple eau-de-vie, even apple vinegar. Marzipan. Becomes a little gentler over time, especially with a few drops of water. Papaya and grapefruit. Vanilla.
Mouth: there’s a very nice, tropical fruitiness at the core of this malt, even some bubblegummy notes, but somehow it’s also packed with sharper notes of lemon zest and resin. A little chilli heat, ginger and maybe curry. Some beer-like notes. Salty almonds and liquorice.
Finish: medium long, going back to slightly synthetic fruity notes.
Overall this is nice (though slightly straightforwardly modern) whisky, but I found the sharp and alcoholic notes a bit disturbing. Around € 65. Still available from TheWhiskyCask.
Score: 80/100