Ben Nevis 1997 (Single Malts of Scotland)

Did you know Ben Nevis is one of the last whisky distilleries still using brewer’s yeast?

This Ben Nevis 1997 was recently bottled in the Single Malts of Scotland series. Sister casks have been bottled by Elixir Distillers for Japan and the Highlander Inn bar in the past few years.

Ben Nevis 22 yo 1997 (58,5%, Single Malts of Scotland 2019, sherry butt #91, 540 btl.)

Nose: a rather earthy profile with hints of dunnage warehouses, wild flowers and rye bread. A mix of herbal tea and fruit tea, maybe a little eucalyptus. Espresso. Wet leaves and old copper coins. Orange cordial and heather honey. Hints of very old, leathery Oloroso underneath. This is a very old-school sherry profile, lovely.

Mouth: strong, still rather dry and autumnal, with a beefy side and truckloads of tobacco. Hints of walnuts and salted peanuts. Big leathery notes again. Dark chocolate. Hints of Seville oranges. Old, slightly smoky wood.

Finish: long, on brown sugar, herbs, burnt toast and oaky notes.

Dry and leafy sherry, very entertaining thanks to the typical quirky Ben Nevis touches. Very unmodern whisky, we like that. Available from The Whisky Exchange.

Score: 90/100