The Whisky Jury started with an excellent first bottling, a Ben Nevis 1995. Recently this was followed by an excellent Caol Ila 1983 and this Ben Nevis 1996.
Ben Nevis 23 yo 1996 (51,6%, The Whisky Jury 2019, refill hogshead #1315, 260 btl.)
Ben Nevis 23 yo 1996 (51,6%, The Whisky Jury 2019, refill hogshead #1315, 260 btl.)Nose: starts fresh and slightly more vertical and citrusy than the 1995, or so it seems. Lemons and lime. Over time there’s also pineapple. Growing wet chalky notes and lovely paraffin. A late hint of vanilla as well.
Mouth: here as well, slightly more citrusy at first. Lemon peel, greengages, plenty of grapefruits, mixing with green tea. In a second wave there are more tropical fruits: yellow grapefruit becomes pink, flashes of pineapple and guava. It’s slightly less Irish though, if you know what I mean. A nice combination of fatty texture and bright citrus.
Finish: long and minty, with waxy echoes and a herbal edge.
We really can’t get enough of these Ben Nevis expressions from 1995 and 1996. The Whisky Jury definitely selected excellent examples. I may have a personal preference towards the 1995 but this is equally tasty. And sold out, if I’m not mistaken.
Score: 90/100