Ben Nevis 7 Year 2013 (Thompson Bros.)

(Good Spirits Co. Glasgow – Virtual Whisky Tasting, 05 March 2021). Nose: Caramel, acetone, orchard fruit, sweet liquorice Palate: Mocha, toffee, caramelised fruit, sulphur and mud(!?!) Finish: Peat, moss/earth/funk. A bit of sweetness but mostly a numbing, mouth coating, funky dram! There’s a funk to this that I really like. It was described on the tasting as a ‘grumpy’ whisky - it makes total sense when you taste it! Chewy, funky, bad tempered and delicious! I went online and bought a bottle before I’d even finished the tasting dram. 1 of 1013 bottles Label artwork by Karon Mabon features a cat and a ramen noodle bowl - what’s not to love! Came third out of the six whiskies, with 20% of the final vote for favourite of the night. 77% of those present said they enjoyed the whisky.

This has bcome a fun ‘everyday drinker’! Golden raisins and matchsticks on the nose, with an added stonefruit sweetness and caramel on the palate. A satisfyingly full and dry mouthfeel and medium-long finish at 50% abv. Great value at sub $60.