Ben Nevis 10 Years 2014/2024 - James Eadie
The Ben Nevis Distillery has long been a hot tip among connoisseurs when it comes to Highland whiskies with a strong character. With the Ben Nevis 10 years 2014/2024, independent bottler James Eadie presents us with a real sherry bomb - at 58.9% ABV. A whisky that not only impresses with its strength, but also offers subtle nuances. Will it deliver what the key figures promise?
Tasting Notes
Nose
The first impression? A sultana explosion straight to the face - like opening a bag of Christmas cheer! Caramel and soft oak emphasise this sweet and spicy base, while earthier notes of tobacco and brown sugar tickle the nose. If you sniff closely, you will even detect a hint of peanuts, which gives the fragrance a nutty depth.
Palate
The whisky is viscous, almost syrupy on the tongue - a mouthfeel that triggers feelings of pure luxury. Malty notes dominate at the beginning before a symphony of sultanas, dates and candied apple unfolds. A touch of caramel provides a pleasant sweetness, while the nutty peanut flavour provides a contrast. Anyone who enjoys rich, full-bodied whiskies could go into raptures here.
Finish
Medium length with roasted almonds and cloves. Candied fruit adds a spicy twist, and there is a sudden flash of tropical freshness from mango and papaya.
Thoughts
Marcel 85/100
This Ben Nevis really packs a punch – the sherry explosion and the full cask strength make it a genuine experience for connoisseurs who enjoy intensity and character. A whisky that’s a lot of fun and truly comes alive when paired with dark chocolate or fruitcake. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a robust, lively Highland dram!
Sascha 85/100
The Ben Nevis 10 Year 2014/2024 presents itself as a well-balanced sherry expression with impressive depth and structure. The combination of sweet and spicy notes, carried by the cask strength, delivers a harmonious mouthfeel and a complex finish. A technically convincing Highland whisky with a clear cask signature and a solid finish.
Value for Money: Good
Discover our value for money winnersThis product was kindly provided to us by Kirsch Import. This does not influence our rating. No payments or other benefits were received in exchange for this provision.
Related Reviews
Nc'nean Aon Calvados 2017/2025
There are whiskies that tell stories – and then there are those that merge worlds. The Nc'nean Aon Calvados 2017/2025 belongs to the second category. Originating from the young, ambitious distillery in the Scottish Highlands, this seven-years single malt presents itself as a fascinating experiment: matured in former Calvados casks, it combines the rugged beauty of the Highlands with the fruity sophistication of Normandy.
82/100
Deanston 12 Years 2012/2024 - The Cask Hound
The Deanston Distillery, located on the banks of the River Teith in the southern Highlands, is known for its unfiltered character and use of Scottish spring water. The Cask Hound has selected a special cask from the 2012 vintage and bottled it in 2024 after twelve years of maturation. The promise: pure Highland essence without compromise.
82/100
Royal Brackla 10 Years 2014/2024 - Thompson Bros
Who would have thought that such a treasure was hidden behind the unassuming name Royal Brackla? The distillery from the Scottish Highlands often leads a shadowy existence alongside the big names, but Thompson Bros impressively proves with this 10-years bottling why Royal Brackla deserves the title "The King's Own Whisky".
86/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the sherry cask influence the flavor profile of the Ben Nevis 10 Year 2014/2024?
The sherry cask imparts the whisky’s characteristic sweet and spicy notes with intense aromas of raisins, caramel, and candied fruits. At the same time, it provides nutty and spicy nuances like roasted almonds and cloves, making the flavor complex and multi-layered.
Why does the Ben Nevis 10 Year 2014/2024 have such a high alcohol content of 58.9%?
The high alcohol content results from the cask strength bottling, which preserves the whisky in its pure and powerful form. This ensures that the intense aromas and full flavor spectrum remain intact, which is especially important for a sherry-forward whisky like this to deliver an intense tasting experience.
What distinguishes the Ben Nevis 10 Year 2014/2024 from other Highland whiskies?
This whisky combines the typical maltiness of the Highlands with an exceptional sherry note and a complex aroma profile of raisins, nuts, and tropical fruits. Its syrupy texture and medium-length, spicy finish make it a particularly rich and characterful representative of its region.