The Nectar is distributing Elixir Distillers bottlings in Belgium. They now have two exclusive releases bottled in the Single Malts of Scotland range: an Imperial 1996 and this Ben Nevis 1996. Two interesting distilleries, both with rather unique profiles.
Ben Nevis 23 yo 1996 (51,3%, Single Malts of Scotland for The Nectar 2019, hogshead #536, 249 btl.)
Ben Nevis 23 yo 1996 (51,3%, Single Malts of Scotland for The Nectar 2019, hogshead #536, 249 btl.)Nose: lemon, lime, pineapple and kiwi mixed with green tea, light minty notes, sage and pine needles. Then some chalky notes, concrete and moss. Waxy / greasy notes and linseed oil. Pretty excellent.
Mouth: very oily, developing a wonderful fruitiness that is citrusy but also slightly tropical (passion fruits and mango). Moving to marmalade and herbal liqueur, quite a lot of resinous notes, limestone, chalk. Tiny hints of lipstick, mint, verbena and leather.
Finish: long, oily and mineral, with herbs and sappy notes.
Another wonderful, idiosyncratic Ben Nevis. Recommend. Available from Belgian retailers as we speak. Around € 160.
Score: 90/100