1996 Chorlton Whisky Ben Nevis 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

If this was distilled in 1996, where has it been in the interim? The answer is that it was bottled in 2006 for the Hopscotch Bar in Liverpool, then forgotten about in a warehouse. Some say 1996 was a particularly good year for Ben Nevis. This smells more distillate-driven than oak-influenced, which is a good thing - even so, it isn't exactly the Nevis that we're used to. It feels lighter, more spirity, less complex, but it's also better than just a curio. Light to medium-bodied with a slightly green, tropical fruit edge to the nose and palate; whisps of apple pie too, then a fresh finish and burgeoning oily malt with low-key sherry character. Presumably, a sherry hogshead reduced in abv at bottling, this is for Ben Nevis lovers who think they've tried it all. 46% Alc./Vol. The outturn was 213 bottles. Non chill-filtered.

Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Strawberry yoghurt and old school sherry characteristics. Perhaps it’s a little bit of “old bottle effect” but it’s crept in very quickly if so. Tangerine skins and boiled orange lollies. Palate: The sherry character is very subtly integrated making for a whisky that could very easily be finished of in a couple of sittings. Lock up all your fellow whisky nerds! Now back to the serious notes, Maccas apple pie and buttered toast.