Cadenhead Ben Nevis 2012 13 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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 bourbon and Oloroso hogsheads, 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 is enough for its character to stand up to active casks. Cadenhead matured this release across bourbon and Oloroso sherry hogsheads, marrying vanilla-and-honey oak with dark sherry fruit.
Tasting notes (independent review of this exact bottling): the nose opens with biscotti, clootie dumpling dried fruit, apricot marmalade, and ginger; the palate brings walnut whip, golden syrup, and spiced cardamom buns; the finish lingers on hazelnut, cocoa, and blackcurrant, fading on a dark, slightly bitter note.
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.
What casks were used? Bourbon hogsheads and Oloroso sherry hogsheads.
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.