The Whisky Jury just dropped a couple of new whiskies and rums, including a new Ben Nevis 1996. It comes from a cask range in which TWJ was fishing multiple times before, see #1349 and #1372 among others. Like other releases before, this cask was taken over from a private owner who is depicted on the label.
A good opportunity to try it head-to-head with another Ben Nevis 1996 from that same range, bottled not long ago by Kanpaikai and The Antelope.
Ben Nevis 28 yo 1996 (47,8%, The Whisky Jury 2025, refill hogshead #1321, 259 btl.)
Nose: a fairly sour fruitiness, on kiwi, pineapple, green apple, along with some peach yoghurt. Also candle wax, lemon peels and wet limestone. Then just a little almond, whiffs of oil paint and a touch of sweet mustard. Over time it closes down a little, more towards herbs.
Mouth: oily, with slightly candied fruits. Not a passion fruit bomb, but some tropical notes nonetheless. Mango, star fruit and peach candy, mixed with sunflower oil and honey. Then typical chalky notes, some peppermint and green banana. Sweet pineapple too – a beautiful sweet and sour combination.
Finish: medium plus, with chalky hints and some sweetness. Oily notes return with mild fruits.
I love the focused profile and the acidic fruitiness. Quite excellent again, do we need to repeat how much we love this style? If you’re quick, you may be able to score a bottle.
Ben Nevis 28 yo 1996 (49,6%, Kanpaikai & The Antelope 2024, refill hogshead #1334, 192 btl.)
Nose: this one is slightly more lactic, with firm hints of sweetened buttermilk. Still plenty of lemon acidity and green vegetal notes. Then also vanilla yoghurt and banana, along with candle wax and lemon candy. A bit more round, more on vanilla than 1321.
Mouth: less exotic again, much more on lemons, grapefruits and kiwi, plus green apple and plenty of mineral notes. Later also sweeter notes of banana and more vanilla yoghurt. A little more beeswax than the TWJ release as well, followed by green tea with a pinch of white pepper. Rather high acidity again.
Finish: long, with some leafy notes, citrus zest, mild grassy notes and just a hint of bitterness.
A slightly firmer, greener Ben Nevis at times, even though the added waxiness makes it interesting. Both are clearly different, but choosing one of them is mostly a matter of changing the balance. Sold out, I think. Score: 89/100