After months of preparation, this is the first release from a brand-new Belgian bottler called The Whisky Jury. The name refers to the fact that owner Joeri considers himself a jury for casks, only acquiring those that get a 90/100 score in his book. Read more on the Whisky Jury website.
It’s a Ben Nevis 1995 presented with a beautiful label. We’ve had several excellent expressions from this period, mostly 1996 and 1997.
Ben Nevis 23yo 1995 (51,2%, The Whisky Jury 2019, hogshead #970, 245 btl.)
Ben Nevis 23yo 1995 (51,2%, The Whisky Jury 2019, hogshead #970, 245 btl.)Nose: the typical Nevis waxiness is prominent, nice start. Balm, oak polish, then green bananas and peaches. Pineapple cubes, citrus and a touch of floral honey. Marshmallow. Crushed mint leaves. Whiffs of chalk and sage. Top notch.
Mouth: oily texture, again mixing lovely fruity notes (pineapple, guava, lime, slightly tropical indeed) with green tea, herbs and light mineral notes. Verbena. Wax again.
Finish: long, oily and sappy, with fruity echoes, greasy notes, pepper and a herbal edge.
A perfect bottle to get your name out there: very characterful Ben Nevis, right up with the best. Around € 140, available from TastToe, Wine4You and other shops soon.
Score: 90/100