Ben Nevis Wilson & Morgan 1996 16 Year Old

Now we're on to my third (and final) Wilson & Morgan sample. This one comes from Ben Nevis, distilled in 1996 and matured for 12 years in sherry oak (cask #799).

Ben Nevis was founded 1825 by "Long John" Macdonald (who inspired the Long John blend). At its height, it was huge, being both a distillery and a sawmill, employing 230 people, and a farm with 200 head of cattle. Now of course, it is much more modest, with only one official bottling (a ten year old), plus some one-off editions and independent bottlings such as this one.

The colour is a deep, dark amber. Very musty on the nose, but still has the clean crispness I love from Ben Nevis. Green apples, pears, candied fruits and cotton candy. Quite estery, but with a nice balance between the oak and the spirit. Grassy and fruity at the same time - very interesting. Becomes more herbal and spirity with water.

On the palate, there is a little more sherry influence, with dates, red apples and ginger snaps. With the ginger is cinnamon, and with water the palate becomes a little more balanced. Very tasty.

Quite some depth on the finish, with black liquorice and raisins, though it is of medium length. Nothing earth-shattering but a rich, satisfying sherried malt.

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