Ben Nevis The Duchess 10 Years Old Shiraz Finish Cask 1800020 56.7% 2010

Professionele reviews

Serge Valentin (87)

Ducks are fashionable these days, but shiraz? Well, it's true that Ben Nevis could take just anything, so why not shiraz?… Colour: apricotty. Nose: starts steely, with some soot and some copper (old coins), yoghurt, sour cherries, then we have fresh concrete and damp gravel. It's just been raining… Chrome polish, pu-her tea. There's often pu-her in Ben Nevis. With water: leather, tobacco, and more sour cherries, with wee hints of truffle and fumes in the background. Mouth (neat): quite a lot of pepper and chilli sauce, with this chutney-y character, pickled fruits, bitters, some tar and a little rubber… Well I'm sure you could make some high-class spritz out of this one. Please pass the bottle of champagne… Rather fat body. With water: gets gentler, fruitier, with rather more red berry jams. What we call an 'old bachelor's jam'. Touch of mead and stout, fifty-fifty. Finish: rather long, reminding me of that cherry jam they make in Itxassou, in the French Basque country. Goes well with hard cheese. Comments: clearly something else, a tad dissonant here and there. Thelonious Monk's own Scotch? Love Thelonious Monk, so

Malt Fascination (88)

Contrary to my normal modus operandi, I’m actually ahead in tasting this whisky. Of course that is no coincidence, since the release of this review was more or less requested to be a little ahead of the actual release of the whisky. (Happy to oblige!)

Ben Nevis has been on a winning streak the last couple of years. So has The Duchess. Even so, my instinctive apprehension kicked in when I heard this was going to be a wine cask. This happened, quite obviously, because wine casks tend to be not-so-good at best.

Of course there are exceptions, but those confirm the rule instead of change it. So, a 10 year old one, from a red wine cask… But then again, it’s from The Duchess and they have been creating name for themselves to be a high quality bottler. Not unlike WhiskyNerds and Wu-Dram Clan.

So, let’s dive in and see where this one sits!

Sniff:
Lots of barley with brioche toast. Red fruits like strawberries and cherries, a whiff of hessian and dunnage warehouses.

Sip:
The palate brings quite some chili heat, with roasted barley, bitter almonds and dried red fruits. Toasted oak, black pepper, strawberry juice, a whiff or rhubarb.

Swallow:
The finish is a bit richer, weightier. With red fruits, hessian, brioche.

Well, apart from me liking this quite a bit, it’s interesting to analize what’s happening. Because based on the flavors I encountered when tasting this, I would have guessed this to be a port cask if I would have tasted it blind. It’s not as light as a Shiraz would suggest.

Another benefit of that is it lacks the tannins often accompanying wine cask finished whisky. It’s not an overly dry whisky, and it doesn’t have the typical wine cask astringency. There’s a lot of fruit and brioche notes that give it just enough sweetness, and just enough depth.

A very good wine cask finished dram, this is!

88/100

BOW (89)

Title: Ben Nevis The Duchess 10 Years Old Shiraz Finish Cask 1800020: A Rare Gem for Whisky Enthusiasts

Introduction:
In the vast realm of whisky, where diversity and complexity reign, connoisseurs and collectors alike constantly seek unique and extraordinary expressions. Among the myriad of distilleries and independent bottlers, The Duchess stands tall, renowned for its premium selection and unwavering commitment to quality. In their illustrious GAME & WILDLIFE SERIES, they have introduced the Ben Nevis The Duchess 10 Years Old Shiraz Finish Cask 1800020, a true gem that promises a captivating and unforgettable tasting experience. Let's delve into the intricacies of this ultra-rare whisky that has captivated the hearts of whisky enthusiasts worldwide.

A Captivating Journey:
Distilled on October 28, 2010, this exceptional single malt whisky has had a decade-long maturation period, allowing it to develop layers of complexity and character. The Ben Nevis distillery, nestled at the foot of the tallest mountain in the British Isles, is renowned for producing whiskies that exude both power and elegance. The Duchess has taken this exceptional spirit and given it an intriguing twist by finishing it in Shiraz casks.

Shiraz Cask Finish:
The Shiraz cask finish lends the Ben Nevis The Duchess 10 Years Old a distinctive personality. The maturation process in these carefully selected casks imparts rich flavors and aromas, enhancing the whisky's profile with the influence of the red wine. The result is a harmonious marriage of fruity notes, deep spice, and a delicate sweetness, all coming together to create a symphony on the palate.

Tasting Notes:
Upon pouring a dram of Ben Nevis The Duchess 10 Years Old Shiraz Finish, one is immediately greeted with an enticing bouquet of dark berries, including blackberries and plums. The aroma unfolds, revealing hints of warm spices, such as cinnamon and cloves, complemented by a gentle oakiness. The initial sip coats the tongue with a luscious medley of ripe cherries and blackcurrants, while the Shiraz cask influence adds a velvety texture and a touch of sweetness. The whisky's robust body is balanced by a subtle tannic structure, leaving a lingering finish of spices and a gentle warmth.

Limited Availability:
True to its reputation, The Duchess has released only 317 bottles of this exquisite expression, making it a true rarity among whisky collectors. Each bottle is individually numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity, reflecting the brand's meticulous attention to detail and dedication to delivering an exceptional experience.

Conclusion:
The Ben Nevis The Duchess 10 Years Old Shiraz Finish Cask 1800020 is a whisky that epitomizes the artistry of both the distillery and the independent bottler. It showcases the prowess of Ben Nevis, harnessing the rugged Scottish terroir and transforming it into a liquid masterpiece. The Duchess, with their penchant for sourcing rare and exceptional casks, has elevated this expression to a level of unparalleled excellence. For those fortunate enough to acquire a bottle of this ultra-rare release, it is sure to become a cherished addition to their whisky collection, a testament to the craftsmanship and passion that goes into creating these fine spirits. Cheers to The Duchess for another triumph in their GAME & WILDLIFE SERIES, and to all whisky enthusiasts who embark on the remarkable journey that is the Ben Nevis The Duchess 10 Years Old Shiraz Finish Cask 1800020.

Words of Whisky (86)

Words of Whisky:

Mostly classic Ben Nevis with the added red fruits and heightened viscosity from the wine cask.
Nose
Opens up on some rather classic Ben Nevis dirtiness, which I always liken to copper coins and a certain sourness. A touch of white pepper as well, followed by a tinge of red berries and lychees. Finally a whiff of cooked apples.
Taste
Some peppery heat on the arrival accompanied by peanut skins and almond oil, as well as a tinge of shoe polish, biscuits and charred oak, followed by some strawberry ice cream.
Finish
Sour touches with a pinch of spiciness and red fruits. Ending on apple peels.