Ben Nevis NEW

Named after the natural rock formation below the peak of Ben Nevis, Coire Leis is a brand-new expression from the celebrated Ben Nevis distillery. An initial confectionary note of humbugs and barley sugars leads to honeyed vanilla, freshly picked pears and a biscuity, malty character. A more drying tone of grapefruit marmalade builds up, with earthy spice (clove) and just a fleeting whiff of smoke. A quintessential West-Coast style.

A single cask offering from Hunter Laing & Co, this expression of Ben Nevis has been matured for eleven years in a single ex Sherry Butt, before being cut to strength at 46%. The deep amber-gold colour suggests a light cask influence on this expression. There are notes of rich caramel, heather honey, marmalade and fresh citrus zest. A wonderful choice for someone who is looking at making a start in the world of independently bottled Scotch Whiskies.

A rich and moorish expression from Ben Nevis distillery in Fort William, this single cask bottling, selected by North Star Spirits of Glasgow has been matured in a single Oloroso Hogshead. On the nose there are notes of honey'd cereals, peach cobbler and rich condensed milk. Rich notes of butterscotch ice cream and creme caramel coat the palate, with hints of all spice in the background. The finish lingers on, and has been summed up wonderfully in a single word by the folk at North Star, "Smashing!"

One of the team's favourite west-coast Scottish distilleries is Ben Nevis from the small town of Fort William. This is an incredibly rare example of its aged profile, distilled in 1991 and matured for 31 years prior to bottling from Hunter Laing & co. At this age it is extremely uncommon to see such a high natural strength, sitting at an astonishing 62.1%. Tasting notes from Hunter Laing describe a rich and concentrated flavour, with plums, blackberries and chococlate joining a very savoury character of beef stock and herbal amario type notes. The finish is rich with Europeak oak influence, lingering long and with great complexity.

This new release from Signatory Vintage comes from a selection of two sherry butts from the Ben Nevis distillery in Ft. William. This robust and characterful highland malt often carries a curious savoury edge - somewhat yeasty and meaty. Matured in ex-sherry Oloroso butts, bringing out flavours like orange marmalade and mochaccino.

Ben Nevis' Traditional harks back to a style of whisky made at the distillery in the late 1800's, with the use of peated barley adding a delicate smokyness to their spirit. An initial flavour of sweet and tart fruit gives way to honey and wildflowers, with a charming sooty and earthy touch of peat, like that of an old fireplace. A touch of preserved ginger and caramel lingers in the background, finishing slightly salty and savoury.

Ben Nevis is a classic west coast Highland dram from Fort William, right below the Ben (mountain) itself. Very rich and deep to start with a medley of golden syrup, orange marmalade and a thread of mocha-chocolate in the background. A wonderfully old-fashioned style of whisky, complete with an earthy touch of peat smoke faintly whafting through.