The Whisky Dreamers is a group of three whisky lovers from Belgium and The Netherlands. Around the time of The Whisky Fair 2025 they presented two bottlings done for them by Malts of Scotland.
Decent names, in fact, Ben Nevis 1996 and Bowmore 2002. Two whiskies that offer a chance to experience a tropical fruit basket. Let’s see whether they succeed.
Ben Nevis 1996 (47,3%, Malts of Scotland for The Whisky Dreamers 2025, bourbon hogshead ref. 25013, 188 btl.)
Nose: seduces right away. Typical chalkiness and talcum, a little dough and drops of sunflower oil, but also plenty of fruits. Tangerines, unripe mango and starfruit, lemons and Cantaloupe, perhaps also light passion fruits underneath. Then a little candied ginger along with floral touches and hints of green tea.
Mouth: one of these tropical fruit bombs. Guava, maracuja, hints of green lemons and bananas. Then it becomes slightly sharper, on greener grapefruit and verbena, along with this mineral tightness. Always a nice waxy / fatty layer too. I’m always pleased by this level of tropical fruits, although it’s maybe not the most explosive I’ve ever had.
Finish: medium to long, getting more spicy now, with some oak coming out. Citrus, minerals. Now the tropical fruits move towards stone fruit.
Really good, really good. Up there with the best 1996s even. Great selection work. It’s a shame that Malts of Scotland doesn’t disclose actual cask numbers any more.
Bowmore 2002 (58,2%, Malts of Scotland for The Whisky Dreamers 2025, bourbon hogshead ref. 25014, 146 btl.)
Nose: rather mentholated and coastal peat, with a bit of rosemary, herbal tea and indeed plenty of fruits in second row. Some seawater, hints of hessian and soft tar. Then lemons and subtle pineapple, especially after adding a few drops of water.
Mouth: initially slightly sharper iodine, herbal smoke and brine than expected. Very coastal, with some kippers and medicinal hints. Then mid-palate the fruits become stronger: pink grapefruit and lime, along with plenty of peaches and some green mango. Also leafy edges, a bit of white pepper and more salt.
Finish: long, firmly salty, with bright citrus, peat and some aromatic pepper.
Very pure Bowmore, with nice bright fruits as well as a firm coastal salinity. Again a very convincing bottling – two winners at once. Score: 90/100
I hear both bottlings are sold out, but more releases are in the pipeline. We’re talking about old Bowmore, Strathisla and even Littlemill… Keep your eyes peeled.