Master of Malt ‘Single Cask Series’ Ben Nevis 1996 (16 year old) 57.4%
Refill Bourbon Hogshead 448/ Dist: Oct 1996 Btl: Jul 2013/ Tasted: Mar 2014
A subtle, yet evocative nose of lightly straw-like apricot and sharp citrus. Brittle barley and edgy, grainy spices follow. Even the oak smells grainy! With time a lime conserve note appears. Dilution makes the aromas even subtler!
Delicate and lightly creamy on the palate with barley and straw-like apricot fruit. Like the nose it becomes rather grainy with the oak beginning to bitter. Water emphasises the creamy oak and makes the fruit pleasantly juicy which balances the graininess. Good length, although the combination of wood and alcohol makes it quite drying, however it has a beautiful barley fade.
Water makes it a little juicier but it’s still quite dry. In conclusion: Pleasant. A little heavy on the oak, but that’s just picking holes really!
Whisky According to Chris Whiskyman 