87 / 100
The fruit and dark chocolate give this Ben Nevis a rich centre, while cloves and the cumin spiciness keep it firmly on the savoury, spicy side. I like that contrast more than an uncomplicated sweet sherry-cask style. At five years old, it is a young whisky by its age statement, but the supplied notes suggest plenty of character. The spicy heat sounds like a notable part of the palate, so this feels more about energy and flavour than easygoing smoothness.
Reviewed by maple_pebble
- Nose
- Stewed fruits, Dark chocolate, Cherry, Treacle, Holiday spices, Hints of smoke, Polished leather
- Palate
- Marmalade, Blackcurrant jam, Cherry, Red apples, Cloves, Spicy heat, Chocolate, Licorice
- Finish
- Lingering spices, Dark chocolate, Fruit compote, Wood, Cumin spiciness