Whisky Review/Tasting: Ben Nevis 17 year The Maltman

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Ben Nevis Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Aged for 17 years in a refill bourbon cask.
Age Statement: 17 years.
Color and Clarity: No specific details on color; however, no coloring is added, and it is unchill-filtered, suggesting a natural appearance.
Bottle Design: Standard liquor bottle with a unique cap labeled "The Malt Man" to prevent tampering. The packaging features earthy tones, including peat brown, golden, tan, and ochre, symbolizing barley fields.

Nose: Dominated by citrus fruits, with fresh cereal tones.
Palate: Medium-bodied with flavors of cooked butter, summer fruits, subtle chocolate, and a lack of pronounced sweetness. Transition from citrus to oranges and clementines, with a distant oakiness and faint honey note.
Finish: Waxy with heather notes, a hint of toasted almonds, faint vanilla, and a slight spiciness.

Independent Bottler: The Malt Man is a brand by Meadowside Blending, founded by Donald Hart and his son Andrew in 2011. It's unclear if Donald Hart is related to the Hart brothers known for bottling whiskies.
Production Details: Emphasizes the absence of coloring, caramelization, or chill filtration in their products, highlighting a dedication to natural and authentic whisky experiences.

The Ben Nevis distillery's character is showcased through the use of a refill bourbon cask, which is somewhat untypical for Ben Nevis whiskies that are often aged in sherry casks. This choice highlights the distillery's versatility and the influence of cask selection on flavor profile.

Horst Luening describes the whisky as having a "definite mark on the distillery character side and has less influence from the ex-bourbon cask," indicating a preference for a more complex interaction between the whisky and the cask.
Luening suggests that finishing the whisky in a different cask could have enhanced its aromas, implying that the whisky is somewhat one-dimensional and could have benefited from additional maturation.

Ben Nevis 17 Year Old by The Malt Man is a single malt Scotch whisky aged in a refill bourbon cask, showcasing natural color and flavors without chill filtration.
The flavor profile is citrus-dominant with notes of cooked butter, summer fruits, subtle chocolate, and a waxy finish with hints of heather and toasted almonds.
The whisky is presented by Meadowside Blending's The Malt Man brand, emphasizing a commitment to selecting rare and old single malt whiskies.
The use of a refill bourbon cask is noted as untypical for Ben Nevis, highlighting the distillery's character over the cask's influence.
Expert opinion suggests that the whisky could have benefited from additional maturation or finishing to enhance its complexity.

Whisky Connoisseurs: Those with a preference for distillery character over cask influence might appreciate this whisky's straightforward expression.
Fans of Citrus-forward Whiskies: Individuals who enjoy citrus-dominant flavor profiles will likely find this whisky appealing.
Collectors of Independent Bottlings: Collectors looking for unique or rare expressions from independent bottlers may find this release intriguing due to its backstory and packaging.
Beginners: Might be less suitable for beginners due to its nuanced and somewhat one-dimensional character, which may be appreciated more by experienced palates.