Ben Nevis 16yo – Abbey Whisky / The Rare Casks – 55%

“Distilled in 1997 and aged for 16 years in a single sherry hogshead, the whisky has been bottled at natural cask strength and only 96 bottles have been filled and made available.

The whisky has been bottled in its natural form, at full cask strength, 55% vol, without chill filtering or colour additives.”

Read on for my tasting notes…

Colour: Dark mahogany, burnt orange.

Nose: Deeply sherried, relaxed leather chairs, a touch of damp straw.

Palate: Thick, amazingly accessible for the abv, mouth coating with a good amount of barley. Slight cola cubes. It’s sweet but not so much that it’s too much. Enough spice to keep you happy.

Finish: Soft and long, gentle sunned raisins stick to your palate. Kind of slightly fizzy.

Water: Doesn’t seem to need it, but can take quite a lot without making much difference, it brings out the wood notes a little more.

Thoughts: Fabulously balanced and enjoyable dram, a proper late evening whisky to stick your feet up with. A Ben Nevis at the top of it’s game.

Available: Abbey Whisky – £64.95

Thanks to Abbey Whisky for the sample.