Region: Highlands

Colour:  Deep Gold

Nose:  Rich, unctuous. The oxidative character of this Ben Nevis is like that of a Jura Vin Jaune aged for some 20 years. Aromas of walnut and very ripe white grape pair harmoniously with fragrances of curry, cinnamon and saffron. The increasingly rich aroma palette then becomes vanilla, almost chocolatey, and above all magnificently floral (lime blossom, lily, rosé poivrée). Exotic fruits (roasted pineapple, flambéed banana) arrive in a climax.

Palate:  Lively, full-bodied. On the attack, beeswax and acacia honey softly envelop the taste buds, as powdered spices (pepper, star anise, clove) land on the tongue. On the mid-palate, stewed fruits (apple, Mirabelle plum) and candied citrus fruit (lemon, orange) appear alongside an array of aromatic plants (chervil, sage, savory). The end of the palate is characterized by notes of frangipane and raisin cake.

Finish:  Long, smooth. A subtle combination of damp earth, cinnamon and grated ginger, the start of the finish is also refreshingly herbaceous (coriander, dill), resinous and sappy (pine). As the finish lingers, walnut pairs deliciously with an invigorating bitterness. On the retronasal olfaction, cocoa powder, plantain banana, turmeric and acacia honey beautifully punctuate the tasting. The empty glass is vanilla, camphoric and medicinal (tiger balm).