Ben Nevis Cask-2012-#2040 Distillery: Ben NevisRegion: HighlandAge: 9 yearsDistillation Date: 19th December 2012Cask type: Refill HogsheadPeated?: NoRe-gauge ABV: 60.2%Re-gauged Litres of Alcohol (RLA): 129.8 litresNew Bulk Litres: 215.6 litres Re-gauge Date: 11th April 2022Bottles: 308Cask Number: 2040Rich and Complex Single Malt from a Distillery of International RegardCask descriptionThe WoodBen Nevis has only one core product, a 10 year old matured in a mixture of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, which has the reputation of a real classic among single malt aficionados. This refill hogshead is akin to those used in the distillerys acclaimed core releases, and has held its strength excellently over nearly a decade of maturation, now sitting at 60.2% ABV. Along with the expected bottle count from this cask, this indicates great promise in the cask for the long-term. The SpiritThe distillation process at Ben Nevis Distillery is slow and steady. The distillery employs the minimum fermentation time (48 hours) and the result is a spirit which has a rich, ripe and chewy texture. Water is drawn from the Allt a Mhullin ( al - ta - voo - lin ), which originates from two pools of snowmelt - the Coire Leis and Coire na Ciste - on the highest peak in Britain, and flows down through peat soil and granite giving it a soft character.The MastersColin Ross is an icon within Scotch whisky production; inducted into the Whisky Hall of Fame in 2015; his career spanned over 55 years in the industry. He began in 1965, polishing the corridors at Strathisla with the lofty title of Assistant Manager."I started on January 2nd 1963, and I think theyd forgotten I was coming. The Manager opened his office store cupboard, my hopes rose, but he produced a giant tin of wax and left me to get on with it!"- Colin Ross, Ben Nevis Distillery Manager (2005)During his time at Ben Nevis distillery he worked tirelessly to promote the single malt brand and worked closely with his colleagues in Japan to ensure the highest quality of spirit was sent over.The HistoryIn 1989 the Japanese distiller Nikka bought the distillery. Today the spirit is still produced in the old fashion to be fruity, rich and oily. Wooden washbacks, and yeasting by distillers yeast in bags, set the basis for the developments of flavours."Fermentation sets the basis of quality "Managing Director Colin Ross.This cask is an opportunity to purchase some of the last spirit filled by Colin Ross and at the time this cask was filled around 75% of the spirit produced at Ben Nevis distillery was being shipped across to Japan for maturation and used by The Nikka Whisky Distilling Company in their portfolio.Tasting NotesNose: Black liquorice and grapefruit marry seamlessly with elderflower and dry hay. Drier notes develop with time, spearheaded by roast cashews and polished mahogany. A drop of water reveals intense custard cream biscuit scent.Palate: Lime zest and red chillies dominate initially but wane to reveal delicate floral and melon notes. Rich and waxy mouthfeel and a touch of dark chocolate develops over time.Finish: Medium in length and full of floral complexity. Dry pine needles balance the flowers to give an elegance and poise. Dark chocolate returns as a final flourish.。
