Ben Nevis 23 yo 1996 / 2019 Single Malts of Scotland #1783 52.3%

Ben Nevis 23 yo 1996 / 2019 Single Malts of Scotland #1783 52.3%

Possibly as clean as Ben Nevis can be, that is to say not nearly clean at all, and redolent with grease on hot metal pans and burnt ends, taking on aspects of soot and dirty sand in the sun. Plenty of oily weight, sloshing with melted butter and sunflower oil. Dripped caramel, baked pineapple and ham on hot rye bread, touches of salty olives ending with mineralic tang of crushed granite and rubbed melon skins. Lemon lime sparkle and hot peppercorns. Frankly an excellent whisky, technically perfect, just not quite my cup of tea. 90 for the Ben Nevis club, but for me – 88 pts