Ben Nevis 19 yo (1997/2016), Maltbarn, 48,8%

Review #438

This has matured in a Bourbon cask (cask #65) and only 132 bottles were made. Marzipan. Lots of marzipan in the smell. Then some hay mixed with some salted caramel. Funny combination that is… But it works!

Sweet burned caramel and hints of peat in the taste. The rough earthy notes carries nicely through to the finish. Again, the salty notes is present, especially in the finish. The oak and vanilla notes hide in the background, but it really doesn’t matter much, as it is done very elegantly and they supplement the rough notes very well.

This is very fresh and clean, yet somewhat rough. A different, but interesting, combination. The ABV have mellowed down to 48,8% and that really suits this whisky! I will give this 86/100 (22/21/22/21).