If you’re somewhat interested in Belgian contemporary art then the name Fred Bervoets is obligatory knowledge. It’s quite a feat that Liquid Art managed to get one of his artworks on the label of their latest release. It is the result of a collaboration with the equally renowned art gallery De Zwarte Panter in Antwerp. The whisky in the bottle is Ben Nevis 1998.
Ben Nevis 26 yo 1998 ‘Headache’ (54,3%, Liquid Art 2025, cask #1560, 140 btl.)
Nose: a 1998 that comes really close to 1996. A deep waxiness, along with sweet mango and orange peels, bananas, fresh figs and ripe gooseberries. Then hints of almond, some vanilla and honey. Warm chalky notes underneath, with sunflower oil, candied ginger and hints of mint. After some time in the glass, there’s also a leafy note and some stale beer.
Mouth: jammy yellow fruits – more peaches, tangerines, apples and light guava. Mild pepper and star anise. Some sweet orange candy and orange blossom honey. Then also a bit of gravel, grapefruit peels, ginger and more of this beer element (bordering banana). Of course the mineral / waxy side is present too.
Finish: medium length, with very little fruits left, mostly moving towards ginger, mildly bitter leaves and rather earthy cinnamon notes.
We already knew this profile thanks to sister cask #1562, so it’s unsurprisingly good. Overall less fruity than 1996, a bit more robust, but sharing these nice waxy / industrial touches. Still a few bottles out there, from Liquid Art direct or from partner shops.