2006 Hidden Spirits Ben Nevis 12 Year Old 'Highproof' Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Like the previous Ben Nevis from this Japanese independent bottler, this 12 year old is also peated, though not labelled as such. The style references the distillery's past, when Ben Nevis was producing peated malt spirit under the directorship of Donald Peter McDonald (son of the famous Long John McDonald) for use in the then world famous 'Dew of Ben Nevis'. Typically it was bottled as a relatively young whisky.

Tasting notes: Matured in a Sherry cask, which is reflected in the spectacular, old copper penny colour. Opens with aromas of honey and oatmeal biscuits followed by a heavy and heady combination of wafting sweet smoke, chocolate pudding and emerging lanolin. Some coastal notes too? Sooty / ashy and oily in the mouth but enough barley sweetness and fruit to maintain interest. Controlled spices add vibrancy and length. Fabulous balance. Close to the peatiest Nevis to date? Quite a whisky! 55.4% Alc./Vol.