Ben Nevis 1996/2020 24 Years - Sansibar
Ben Nevis is a distillery that is no longer an insider tip among connoisseurs. Independent bottlings in particular often enjoy a certain reputation, as they reveal interesting facets of this Highland distillery. Today we have a 24-years Ben Nevis from Zanzibar in our glass - a bottling with character?
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose welcomes us with a surprising lightness. Floral notes mingle with a gentle vanilla sweetness, accompanied by malty undertones and a hint of foliage. Gentle herbal flavours also resonate, giving the whisky a certain depth. The oak remains discreetly in the background - present, but by no means intrusive.
Palate
Here the Ben Nevis shows a completely different side. The oak is now clearly evident and brings a lovely spiciness with it. At the same time, a pleasant sweetness pushes forward - candy floss and a hint of stevia provide a slightly playful sweetness that harmonises wonderfully with the malty notes. An interesting contrast between strength and elegance.
Finish
The finish is of medium length and remains pleasantly warming on the tongue. The oak remains present without dominating. Not a dramatic finish, but a solid and pleasantly balanced end.
Thoughts
Marcel 78/100
This Ben Nevis is fun with its playful sweetness and subtle spice – a true companion for cozy evenings, even if it doesn’t set off fireworks. If you’re looking for straightforward Highland character, you can reach for this one without hesitation, though it doesn’t deliver any real surprises.
Sascha 77/100
A solid structure and balanced harmony define this 24-years Ben Nevis, which combines floral freshness with gentle oak spice. Technically flawless but lacking distinctive accents – a whisky for lovers of classic Highland profiles who aren’t expecting any experiments.
Value for Money: No rating
Discover our value for money winnersRelated Reviews
Glen Ord 2011/2021 10 Years - van Wees
The Glen Ord 2011/2021 10 Years Old from van Wees represents a fascinating connection between the traditional Glen Ord distillery in the Scottish Highlands and the Dutch independent bottler van Wees. Glen Ord, located in Muir of Ord since 1838, is one of Scotland's most technically advanced distilleries, producing over 11 million litres of pure alcohol annually. The distillery, known for its precise distillation technique and the use of six stainless steel washbacks, supplies the raw material for this 10-years single malt.
76/100
Royal Brackla 2009/2021 11 Years - van Wees
After 11 years of maturation in Scottish warehouses, this Royal Brackla is presented at 46% ABV – a strength that promises to unfold its royal flavours while remaining drinkable for us mere mortals.
73/100
Wolfburn Cognac Cask 2017/2025 8 Years
The young Wolfburn distillery in the northern Highlands has ventured into an elegant cask experiment: eight years of maturation in cognac casks, an unusual choice that combines character and charm. The result is a fruity, malty single malt that arouses curiosity - especially on the nose.
80/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Ben Nevis 1996/2020 24 Years from Sansibar special compared to official releases?
The Ben Nevis 1996/2020 24 Years from Sansibar is an independent bottling that reveals a different flavor dimension thanks to its extended maturation and the selection of special casks. Compared to standard releases, it offers a balanced combination of floral notes, gentle vanilla sweetness, and a pronounced yet subtle oak spiciness.
How does the 24-year maturation influence the taste of this Ben Nevis whisky?
The 24-year maturation ensures a harmonious development of aromas. The oak character becomes more pronounced on the palate, adding spice, while floral and malty notes remain intact. The long aging softens sharp edges and promotes a pleasant sweetness marked by hints of cotton candy and stevia.
What drinking temperature and glass shape are recommended for the Ben Nevis 1996/2020 24 Years?
For this whisky, a drinking temperature of around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius is recommended to optimally unfold its complex aromas. A nosing or tulip glass is ideal, as it highlights the floral and spicy notes well and concentrates the aroma.