Goodie goodie goodie! Ben Nevis from the mid nineties! That promises a massive fruit bomb over a nice but gentle Highland character. Ever so slightly funky because, after all, it still is Ben Nevis!

This specific cask was bottled for Kirsch Import in Germany, and through a sample network I managed to buy a sample. It’s interesting that they only state that it’s a Moscatel finish, which could mean the sherry or the dessert wine, although I think it’s safe to assume it’s the sherry. It also might be that the wine is Muscatel. Anyway, vague.

Let’s dive in!

Sniff:
Lots of oak and metal. Iron or copper, lots of slate and other mineral rich things. Reine Claude plums, slightly dried. Some raisins too.

Sip:
The palate is also quite oak forward, fresh oak mostly. Some raisin twigs, and some plums too. After that the bitter touch increases a bit, with nutty notes. Brazil nuts, walnuts.

Swallow:
The finish has an unexpected warmth that I can’t really pin down. It’s a bit like smoldering embers and a hint of barbecue notes. Sweet marinade on top of some grilled fruit.

Surprisingly un-fruity for a Moscatel cask finished Ben Nevis from this vintage. Also, the finish doesn’t really fit the palate and nose. There are some nice things happening, but I’m not really sure what to make of it.

In short, while interesting, it is not in the same league as what I’ve come to expect from longer aged Ben Nevis from 1995 and/or 1996. Strange…

85/100

Available in Germany starting at € 330