Review by: Raygun

It’s no Springbank, but Ben Nevis is up there among the most tatered  single malts these days. And I have to admit, it’s pretty justified. The more recent stuff, from the 21st century is good. The mid-1990s bottles, however, are on a different level completely. I’ve had some insanely tropical ones, with a little beery funk from the brewer’s yeast. Very unique, and the highs are some of my favorite Scotches ever. This one is a refill Sherry cask, whereas I’ve mostly had bourbon casks before. Reviewed from a sample. Rested about 20 minutes.

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Distillery: Ben Nevis  

Bottler: Thompson Brothers  

Region/style: Highlands single malt Scotch

ABV: 47.8%. Cask strength. 

Age: 28 years old. Distilled in 1990 and bottled in October 2024.      

Cask type: Refill sherry butt #1166, 594 bottles

Color: 1.2 chestnut. Natural color and non-chill-filtered.

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Nose: Fruity and faintly beery. Kiwi, gooseberries, and grapes in the lead, followed by orange and plums. Not very sherried at all, but a little extra richness bourbon casks don’t have. Chocolate digestive biscuits.                          

Palate: Mmm, yes. I was concerned that the sherry would swamp the classic 90s Ben Nevis character, but I needn’t have worried. Plenty of fruity character with a definite tropical side. Papaya, kiwi, orange, and gooseberries, drizzled with some chocolate sauce. A touch of lemon-lime soda. Rich, but not too sweet.          

Finish: A little more sour, with more grapes and gooseberries, and the beery flavor is back. Orange soda. More on the biscuit side, a little less chocolate. Toasted cereal flavor comes through. Nicely balanced, and great length.  

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Conclusion: Another terrific bottle. Not overly sherried, with plenty of Ben Nevis character remaining. One of the more beery ones I’ve tried, but the yeasty flavor works very well. Great stuff and I’d definitely go for a bottle if I could.

Score: 92

Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
• 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
• 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)