Ben Nevis 25 years 'Exclusive to Whisky.de'
Physical Whisky Characteristics
- Origin: West Highlands, Scotland, at the base of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland.
- Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
- Distillation and Maturation: Distilled in 1991 and matured in a fresh sherry butt. Bottled in 2017.
- Age Statement: 25 years.
- Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the influence of sherry casks suggests a potentially rich, dark hue.
- Bottle Design and Packaging: Comes in a wooden box with Chinese brass fixtures, indicating a special or exclusive release. The bottle contains whisky from cask number 3766, with a total of 555 bottles produced.
- ABV: 57.1%, which is equivalent to the old imperial 100 proof. Noted as high proof, possibly diluted down to 57.1% for historical reasons.
Whisky Flavor Profile
- Balance of Flavors: A well-balanced whisky with a strong fruity side, complemented by oakiness and a slight smokiness. The balance between sweetness and stronger wood flavors is highlighted.
- Unique Characteristics: Exhibits a rich sherry influence with notes of dark, ripe, and dried fruits such as berries, dates, figs, and a hint of banana. There's a light spiciness and aromatic smoldering smoke from the roasting of the cask. The palate also discovers coffee notes and a light bitterness that fades quickly, unusual for a whisky of this age.
- Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its profile suggests it would appeal to fans of sherried, older single malts with complex fruitiness and controlled oak influence.
Whisky Storytelling
- Distillery Background: Ben Nevis Distillery is noted for its location and not being widely known. Its single malt releases are rare compared to its blended whisky, making this 25-year-old expression particularly special.
- Production Details: The detailed account of the cask's origin, filling date, and bottling specifics adds a layer of exclusivity and craftsmanship to this whisky.
Cultural or Geographical Significance
- Geographical Significance: The distillery's location at the foot of Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, adds a unique aspect to its identity and possibly influences the character of its whisky through local water sources and climate.
Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes
- "This 25 years of age is a real gem, some very rare bottling of the distillery."
- "It's a nice mixture between oakiness and very little bitterness. I don't have that very often in whiskies."
Summary
- Ben Nevis 25 years old is a rare and exclusive single malt Scotch whisky, distilled in 1991 and matured in a fresh sherry butt.
- It boasts a rich, fruity flavor profile with a notable sherry influence, balanced oakiness, and a hint of smokiness.
- The whisky comes in a special wooden box, emphasizing its exclusivity, with only 555 bottles produced.
- Its geographical origin at the base of Scotland's highest mountain adds to its unique character and story.
- The whisky is appreciated for its balance, complex fruitiness, and minimal bitterness, unusual for its age.
Recommendations for Different User Profiles
- For the Whisky Connoisseur: The complexity and rarity of this whisky make it a must-try for experienced drinkers seeking unique, aged single malts.
- For the Sherry Cask Enthusiast: Lovers of sherried whiskies will appreciate the rich fruitiness and depth of flavors.
- For Collectors: The limited production, exclusive packaging, and unique story make this a valuable addition to any collection.