Two Ben Nevis expressions not too long ago bottled by Liquid Treasures and associates. We begin this session with the 1999 classic, much less frequent in the marketplace. The opposite one is the higher recognized 1996 classic, shared with Acla da Followers for the Swiss market.
Ben Nevis 22 yo 1999 (46,5%, Liquid Treasures & Nanyang Whisky 2021, hogshead #307, 293 btl.)
Nostril: fairly austere, with numerous vegetal notes (reduce grass), aromatic citrus blossoms and a touch of aspirin. Cereals with mustard. Grapefruit peels. Hints of brine and chalk, with some yoghurty undertones.
Mouth: there’s nonetheless a chalky, mustardy facet but additionally a pleasant fruitiness now. Inexperienced apples, lime and unripe stone fruits. Contemporary and shiny. Evolves on grassy notes and walnuts, white pepper and saltwater. After making an attempt the 1996 and coming again to this one, it feels barely meaty and soiled.
End: fairly lengthy, clear and inexperienced. Plenty of chalky notes and minerals.
This 1999 classic reveals the greener, sharper facet of Ben Nevis. I’m not all the time into this profile, however I do just like the fruity contact on the palate. Big choice. In my opionion the one actual downside for bottlings like these is the standard of the common 10 12 months outdated.
Ben Nevis 25 yo 1996 (53,6%, Liquid Treasures & Acla da Followers 2021, bourbon hogshead #1747, 170 btl.)
Nostril: waxier and (considerably) rounder. Candlewax, concrete and moist gravel, with acidic oranges and minty notes. Inexperienced apples and flashes of unripe pineapple. Whiffs of eucalyptus. A bit of banana pores and skin in addition to moist wool.
Mouth: flashes of tropical fruits now, like ardour fruits, inexperienced mango and pink grapefruit. They’re roughly overtaken by lemon peels although, in addition to resinous notes and a inexperienced bitter edge. A gin-like be aware and flints too. Grassy and saline hints in the direction of the tip.
End: fairly lengthy, on dried Mediterranean herbs, citrus peels and chalk.
The fruitiness on this one can be stored again just a little by a giant austere, natural facet. I anticipated it to rise above the 1999 and it does, however not head and shoulders. Bought out from eSpirits, nonetheless accessible from deinWhisky as an example. Rating: 89/100
