Tasting Notes: Ben Nevis 10 Year Old

Ben Nevis 10 Year Old (Scottish Whisky: Highland Single Malt:46% ABV)

Whisky kindly provided by distillery.

Visual: Thick and hazy, apricot flesh and brilliant bronze.

Viscosity: Quite fast and numerous streaks.

Nose: Musty, wood, gingerbread. Powerful and dry with a hint of grapes (almost white wine but with more of an alcohol punch). Shortbread (lots of biscuit). Water makes much more light , with floral and spicy notes mixed together. Fields and oak – all very balanced.

Body: Quite thick, sweet and oaky. Punches hard without water. Touch of vanilla, the back is hidden by alcohol fire. Water makes it sweeter and syrupy, brings out cherry cake, cinnamon and soaked raisins.

Finish: Waxy, alcohol punch, dry crusty loaf and oaty biscuits. Water makes it gain a rising candle flame warmth and almost meaty texture.

Conclusion: This really is two whisky’s in one. Without water its harsh but hinting at a lighter touch. Almost too similar to the grain blends from the same distillery, disappointing

With water it is much more balanced with a waxy texture and fruit influences. Still not exceptional but most definitely better. Very biscuit influenced as well. The water does not remove all the harsher elements.

This is a bit of a different whisky with its clinging waxy finish. Not due to be a favourite, but after the terrible blended whisky this has done quite a bit to redeem the Ben Nevis distillery.