Cadenhead Ben Nevis 13 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2012
Cadenhead Ben Nevis 2012 13 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a Highland single malt from Scotland's oldest independent bottler: distilled in 2012, matured 13 years in oak casks, and bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV) in a 700mL bottle — non-chill filtered, natural colour — and it is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
Ben Nevis is one of Scotland's great muscular Highland malts, and thirteen years in oak is enough for its full character to develop — malt depth, dried fruit, and warming spice.
Tasting notes: a robust Highland profile — malt and honey on the nose, dried fruit and baking spice through the palate, and a long, warming oak finish.
Why buy it? Because sherried Ben Nevis at this age is a connoisseur's malt — distillery bottlings rarely show this cask combination — and Cadenhead's Original Collection pricing keeps it honest. Browse the WM Cadenhead collection, more single malt Scotch whisky, and other fine spirits.
Serving note: neat in a tulip glass; a teaspoon of water opens the sherry fruit.
Where is Ben Nevis distillery? Fort William, in the Scottish Highlands, at the foot of Britain's highest mountain.
How strong is it? 92 proof (46% ABV), 700mL.
Is it chill-filtered or colored? No — non-chill filtered, natural colour, per Cadenhead's standard.