The Whisky Jury has had a very active period lately with five new bottlings coming out almost simultaneously. Two Williamsons, a Ledaig, a young Caol Ila and another Ben Nevis 1996. As the label says One can never have enough Ben Nevis in his cabinet.
Ben Nevis 23 yo 1996 (50,4%, The Whisky Jury 2020, refill hogshead #1372, 242 btl.)
Nose: buttery almonds with lovely greasy, waxy notes. Light apricots and ripe pineapple, hints of banana too. Leather and walnuts. Hints of metal polish. This one is quite rounded again, with exotic touches and sweet wax, and less of the mineral sharpness. Definitely rocks my boat.
Mouth: again rather sweet, with pastry notes, almond cream and then a burst of citrus and exotic fruits. Pineapple, papaya, lime. Then these chalky notes again, with just an edge of leafy / herbal bitterness. Perfect mineral touches. Lovely oily texture and weight.
Finish: long, on grapefruit, soft resin, green banana and a bit of warming pepper.
Excellent Ben Nevis again, that’s a hat trick. Why would you diversify if you’re starting as an independent bottler, if you have these casks in your portfolio? Great stuff, but of course all bottles were gone as soon as the word was out.