Ben Nevis has never tried to be elegant. The spirit is heavy, waxy and a shade unpolished, and that is exactly why the Japanese bought the distillery. They wanted raw material with muscle, not with manners.

The expert's description

Ben Nevis 10 years is a Single Highland Malt Whisky matured in bourbon casks and sherry casks and bottled at 46 % without chill filtration and without added colour.

The distillery sits in Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland, and has been running since 1825. Nikka bought it in 1989, and a large share of production has found its way into Japanese blends since, which has made official bottlings a smaller part of the house than at most others.

The ten year old is the standing release of the distillery and one of the clearest expressions of the house style. The combination of bourbon and sherry casks gives both honey and dried fruit, but it is the weight of the spirit itself that carries the whisky, not the wood.

Tasting notes

Nose

A flower shop, honey and citrus fruit, with cream toffee behind. A faintly waxy note sits under it all.

Palate

Spiced at the start with a turn towards honeyed sweetness. Spice and acidity give a warm feel in the mouth, and the texture is thick without being heavy.

Finish

Long and powerful with dark chocolate and spice.

Specifications

Name: Ben Nevis 10 år
Distillery: Ben Nevis
Region/Country: Highland, Scotland
Type: Single Highland Malt Whisky
Age: 10 years
ABV: 46 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Bourbon casks and sherry casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
EAN no.: 5026673000234

Flavour profile

Full bodied · Honeyed · Spiced · Waxy · Fruity

Did you know?

Ben Nevis supplied new make spirit to Japan for many years, where it was matured and later sold on as Japanese whisky. That was entirely legal at the time, and binding rules for what may be called Japanese whisky only arrived in 2021.

See our full range of Ben Nevis Whisky

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In a region crowded with famous names, Imperial has quietly gone about its business for generations. This particular release from Speyside shows a side of the distillery worth slowing down for.

Expert's description

Imperial 1995/2014 The Ultimate 19 Year Single Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky 46% is a Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured on hogshead, fad nr. 50168 and bottled at 46%.

This bottling comes from The Ultimate, released as part of the Rare Reserve range.

The whisky was distilled in 21 August 1995 and bottled in 8 December 2014.

Only 319 bottles were produced from this cask, making it a limited release for collectors.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Green apple, vanilla and a gentle grassy note.

Palate

Malt sweetness, citrus and a touch of oak spice.

Finish

Soft and rounded with a final malty note.

Specifications

Name: Imperial 1995/2014 The Ultimate 19 Year Single Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky 46%
Distillery: Imperial
Bottler: The Ultimate
Region/Country: Speyside
Type: Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 19 years
ABV: 46%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Hogshead, fad nr. 50168
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 21 August 1995
Bottled: 8 December 2014
Number of bottles: 319
Edition: Rare Reserve

Flavour Profile

Fresh · Spiced

Investment Potential

High. As a bottling from a demolished distillery, with a limited run of 319 bottles, this is a type of Imperial release that keeps becoming rarer to find on the market.

Did you know?

The Ultimate Whisky Company focuses specifically on bottlings from recently closed or demolished Scottish distilleries, and Imperial is one of the names most represented in their range.

See our full range of Imperial

Coire Leis is the name of the north-east corrie on Ben Nevis, the side climbers use in winter when snow has closed the rest of the mountain. The whisky is named after it, and it is considerably softer than the terrain.

The expert's description

Ben Nevis Coire Leis is a Single Highland Malt Whisky without an age statement, bottled from carefully selected casks at 46 %.

The bottling carries the subtitle Expertly Selected Casks and has no age statement, because it is assembled from casks of different ages. That gives the distillery a freer hand to hit a particular profile rather than follow the youngest cask in the mix.

The profile sits close to the ten year old from the distillery but softer and a shade sweeter. It comes in a cardboard box and belongs to the part of the range meant to be drunk rather than kept.

Tasting notes

Nose

Cream toffee and vanilla sweetness with a mild breath of wood and barley.

Palate

Ripe pear and apricot, followed by malt and sweetness. Softer than you expect from Ben Nevis, without the weight disappearing entirely.

Finish

Soft and creamy, with the cask clearly noticeable at the end.

Specifications

Name: Ben Nevis Coire Leis Expertly Selected Casks
Distillery: Ben Nevis
Region/Country: Highland, Scotland
Type: Single Highland Malt Whisky
ABV: 46 %
Size: 70 CL
Edition: Coire Leis
EAN no.: 5026673000982

Flavour profile

Soft · Sweet · Fruity · Creamy · Malty

Did you know?

Coire Leis is also the name of the route rescue teams use when coming down from the summit of Ben Nevis in bad weather. Two large stone cairns mark the entrance, put there precisely to keep people away from the cliffs.

See our full range of Ben Nevis Whisky

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Forty casks peated, ten casks unpeated. That is not an approximation but an arithmetic, and it is exactly the sort of figure Ardnamurchan is willing to state where most distilleries settle for saying blended.

The Expert's Description

Ardnamurchan Cask Strength AD 02.22 is a Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled at 58.7% full cask strength by Adelphi. It was composed from forty peated bourbon barrels and ten unpeated casks, and 12,886 bottles were made.

Ardnamurchan makes both peated and unpeated malt, and both styles go into this series. Cask strength means the whisky has not been diluted with water before bottling, giving more concentration and a clearer cask character than the house standard at 46.8%.

The whisky is neither chill filtered nor coloured, and every bottle carries a QR code giving access to blockchain-registered production data. The distillery sits at Glenbeg on the westernmost mainland peninsula in Scotland.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Peat smoke and maritime salinity first, then vanilla and coconut from the bourbon wood. A clear cereal sweetness runs beneath it all, and at this strength the alcohol is up front, so let the glass rest a couple of minutes.

Palate

Powerful and oily. Vanilla, honey and baked fruit open, then the smoke arrives with weight along with black pepper and a dry oak note. The cask strength gives concentration, yet the whisky is not harsh.

Finish

Long and dry. Smoke, salt and spice, with a final malt sweetness lingering beneath it all.

Specifications

Name: Ardnamurchan Cask Strength AD 02.22 Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 58.7%
Distillery: Ardnamurchan
Bottler: Adelphi
Region/Country: Highland, Scotland
Type: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 58.7%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Forty peated bourbon barrels and ten unpeated casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Number of bottles: 12,886
Edition: Cask Strength AD 02.22
EAN no.: 5060383652215

Flavour Profile

Smoky · Cask Strength · Maritime · Vanilla · Spiced · Malty

Did You Know?

The ratio of forty to ten is one quarter unpeated malt. That is a smaller share than in the house AD expression, where the split is even, which is why the smoke stands out more clearly in the Cask Strength series. The figures appear on the bottle, which is rare in the trade.

See our full range of Ardnamurchan
See our full range of Adelphi

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Back when whisky houses shipped promotional items to bars worldwide, this type of jug was one of the most common — and today, one of the most collected.

About the product

The Glenfiddich water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Glenfiddich was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

Before plastic advertising existed, the branded water jug was the spirit house's most common gift to the bar — a small, standing ad next to the bottle.

About the product

The Glenfiddich water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Glenfiddich was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

Back when whisky houses shipped promotional items to bars worldwide, this type of jug was one of the most common — and today, one of the most collected.

About the product

The Glenfiddich water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Glenfiddich was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

A jug carrying a brand's logo was the bar's silent salesman: it sat out every night, reminding guests which whisky to order.

About the product

The Glenfiddich water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Glenfiddich was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

A jug carrying a brand's logo was the bar's silent salesman: it sat out every night, reminding guests which whisky to order.

About the product

The Glenfiddich water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Glenfiddich was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

Back when whisky houses shipped promotional items to bars worldwide, this type of jug was one of the most common — and today, one of the most collected.

About the product

The Glenfiddich water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Glenfiddich was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

A jug carrying a brand's logo was the bar's silent salesman: it sat out every night, reminding guests which whisky to order.

About the product

The Glenfiddich water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Glenfiddich was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

Before plastic advertising existed, the branded water jug was the spirit house's most common gift to the bar — a small, standing ad next to the bottle.

About the product

The Glenfiddich water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Glenfiddich was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

A jug carrying a brand's logo was the bar's silent salesman: it sat out every night, reminding guests which whisky to order.

About the product

The Dimple water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Dimple was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

A jug carrying a brand's logo was the bar's silent salesman: it sat out every night, reminding guests which whisky to order.

About the product

The Dimple water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Dimple was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

A jug carrying a brand's logo was the bar's silent salesman: it sat out every night, reminding guests which whisky to order.

About the product

The Dimple water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Dimple was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

Before plastic advertising existed, the branded water jug was the spirit house's most common gift to the bar — a small, standing ad next to the bottle.

About the product

The Dewars water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Dewars was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

Before plastic advertising existed, the branded water jug was the spirit house's most common gift to the bar — a small, standing ad next to the bottle.

About the product

The Dewars water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Dewars was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

Before plastic advertising existed, the branded water jug was the spirit house's most common gift to the bar — a small, standing ad next to the bottle.

About the product

The Aberlour water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Aberlour was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

Back when whisky houses shipped promotional items to bars worldwide, this type of jug was one of the most common — and today, one of the most collected.

About the product

The Aberlour water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Aberlour was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

A jug carrying a brand's logo was the bar's silent salesman: it sat out every night, reminding guests which whisky to order.

About the product

The Glenfiddich water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Glenfiddich was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

Back when whisky houses shipped promotional items to bars worldwide, this type of jug was one of the most common — and today, one of the most collected.

About the product

The Glenfiddich water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Glenfiddich was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

Back when whisky houses shipped promotional items to bars worldwide, this type of jug was one of the most common — and today, one of the most collected.

About the product

The Glenlivet water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Glenlivet was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

A jug carrying a brand's logo was the bar's silent salesman: it sat out every night, reminding guests which whisky to order.

About the product

The Glenlivet water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Glenlivet was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

Before plastic advertising existed, the branded water jug was the spirit house's most common gift to the bar — a small, standing ad next to the bottle.

About the product

The Glenlivet water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Glenlivet was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

Back when whisky houses shipped promotional items to bars worldwide, this type of jug was one of the most common — and today, one of the most collected.

About the product

The Glenlivet water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where Glenlivet was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

Before plastic advertising existed, the branded water jug was the spirit house's most common gift to the bar — a small, standing ad next to the bottle.

About the product

The J&B water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where J&B was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

Back when whisky houses shipped promotional items to bars worldwide, this type of jug was one of the most common — and today, one of the most collected.

About the product

The J&B water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where J&B was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

Back when whisky houses shipped promotional items to bars worldwide, this type of jug was one of the most common — and today, one of the most collected.

About the product

The J&B water jug is a classic branded jug, originally made as a promotional item to sit at bars and in homes where J&B was poured. It's used to add water to whisky drop by drop or in small amounts, letting the aromas open up.

Today it's as much a collector's item for whisky enthusiasts as a piece of everyday bar kit — both uses work well.

There is no whisky in this one. It is the jug you pour the few drops of water into the whisky from — the kind that stood on the bar back when every distillery had its own made.

Please note: This is a vintage whisky jug that has been used and may therefore show wear.

The expert's description

The Glenkinchie whisky jug is a ceramic water jug carrying the distillery name, made for adding water to whisky.

These jugs were originally made as bar equipment and handed out to pubs and whisky bars. They are small on purpose, because it does not take much water, and most have a spout that can dose a few drops at a time.

This one is used and carries its age with it. It still works as it should, and gets used as much for display on a shelf as beside the bottle.

Specifications

Name: Glenkinchie Whisky Jug Water Jug
Brand: Glenkinchie
Type: Ceramic water jug
Use: For adding water to whisky
Condition: Vintage, used, may show wear

How to use the jug

Fill the jug with cold water and pour a few drops into the whisky at a time. Taste between each addition — it does not take much, and there is no going back once the water is in the glass.

Condition and wear

The jug is used and may carry marks from many years on a bar. Look through the photos before buying, and expect the possibility of small chips in the glaze or faded print.

Did you know?

A few drops of water really do change the aroma. Researchers have measured that some of the compounds giving whisky its character gather more densely near the surface when the alcohol strength drops a little.

See our full range of Glenkinchie