Ben Nevis 2013 10 Years Mingle into darkness Cask 78.84 - The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Some whiskies are like a relaxing evening stroll - gentle, cosy, predictable. And then there are bottlings like the Ben Nevis 2013 from cask 78.84 of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society: a wild ride through dense flavours, strong sherry influences and a concentrated load of oak spice.
Tasting Notes
Nose
From the very first sniff, it is clear that a lot is happening here! A wave of dark berries meets a tart freshness reminiscent of blackberries and a hint of lemon. At the same time, a deep sweetness resonates - brown sugar mixes with fresh hay and a hint of crusty bread. Everything seems extremely concentrated, almost compressed, as if the barrel has condensed all the flavours into a very small space over the years.
Palate
The first sip? A powerful start. Malty sweetness covers the tongue like a velvety film, followed by a mixture of red fruits, creamy coconut notes and voluminous oak. The power of the old sherry cask is immediately noticeable here: spice, strength and depth dominate without tipping the whisky into extremes. The balance between sweet malt, berry freshness and heavy oak notes makes it an exciting powerhouse.
Finish
Long, warming and dry. The fruitiness gives way to a spicy mixture of cinnamon, tobacco and a hint of cranberry. Over time, a pleasant bitterness develops that is reminiscent of dark chocolate and brings the whole thing to an elegant close.
Thoughts
Marcel 77/100
This Ben Nevis is a true powerhouse that you can’t just knock back – it demands nerves of steel and a craving for intense flavors. The concentrated sherry spice and robust oak aren’t for the faint-hearted, but that’s exactly what makes it so enjoyable. A whisky that commands your attention and tells stories with every sip.
Sascha 83/100
With its high alcohol content and intense sherry cask maturation, the Ben Nevis 2013 presents itself as a complex and well-structured Highland whisky. The balance between sweet malt notes, berry freshness, and dominant oak tannins is remarkable, even if the oak spice might feel a bit overpowering for some. Overall, an exciting bottling with clear depth and a long-lasting finish.
Value for Money: Good
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80/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the sherry cask influence the flavors of the Ben Nevis 2013 10 Years?
The sherry cask imparts intense notes of dark berries, brown sugar, and a robust oak spiciness. It provides a deep sweetness and spicy depth that shape the whisky’s character without overwhelming it.
Why does the Ben Nevis 2013 have such a high alcohol content of 67.3%?
The high alcohol content results from the cask strength bottling, where the whisky is not diluted. This preserves the full intensity and complexity of the flavors but requires careful enjoyment, ideally with a little water to open up the aromas.
Which flavor notes dominate the finish of this whisky?
The finish is long and warming, characterized by spicy notes like cinnamon and tobacco, complemented by a subtle bitterness reminiscent of dark chocolate. The fruity elements give way to an elegant, dry spiciness.