It’s been ages since I properly reviewed a Blackadder whisky, and for some reason it’s been even longer since I ever bought one. Come to think of it, the last one I bought was the 1981 Lochside, probably back in 2010.

Anyway, a friend of mine got a couple gift coupons for De Whiskykoning for his birthday and decided to spend them on a bottle from his birth year. This is the whisky he selected. Also, he was kind enough to give me a sample a while ago.

I have a bit of a love it, hate it relation with Blackadder with some of their whiskies being absolutely fantastic, but some just being razor sharp alcohol flavoured ones. So whenever I buy one I try it first. Big words coming from me, when I remember buying that Lochside (not the cheapest bottle available) completely blind.

Ben Nevis 1984 by Blackadder

Sniff:
The sherry is clear from the get go. Quickly after the initial sweetness and some astringency comes alcohol. There’s oak and fruit. Mostly peaches. I also get scents of old red wine.

Sip:
There’s an extreme amount of sherry in here, but not over the top. Some rancio as well, if I get that right. It’s dry and sharp but not too peppery. Overall it’s very sweet and thick with fruit syrup and sherry.

Swallow:
The finish suddenly gives a burst of dark chocolate but the main direction of this dram is the fortified wine. Lots and lots of it.

My friend’s thoughts were that he bought a nice whisky but not something in a spectrum that he couldn’t have gotten from another brand at a lower price. I doubt that. This is a rather unique dram, with lots of wine influence. The oak is rather restrained, but still have given off incredible amounts of flavour.

All in all, great dram. I kind of like Ben Nevis.

Ben Nevis 1984-2002, 61.2%, Blackadder Raw Cask.

Thanks to JP for a sample!