2014 House of MacDuff The Golden Cask Ben Nevis 9 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Ben Nevis is a whisky for true malt-hunters: high quality, a distinctive make and not widely distributed, which is probably why most indie bottlers endeavour to have some in their range. This one feels like the distillate is really talking ('distillate-driven' as some would say) but you need to be patient. A closed nose, waxed peels, then vaguely grassy... given time develops enticing suggestions of pineapple chunks and green apples. The balance is fine-tuned. Peppered water crackers, followed by a green apple-pear fruitiness mingling with light vanillas. Ends lipsmacking and refreshing - like young Calvados eaux de vie. Add water and it's a little more grassy but retains enough of that crisp, fruity character that typifies many young Ben Nevis. 303 bottles from an x-Bourbon cask. 58.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.