Review #546 - Single Cask Nation Ben Nevis 11 Year Single Cask
This Ben Nevis single cask spent 8 years maturing in an ex-bourbon cask to start; after that, it was moved into a first fill American Oak Oloroso hogshead for an additional 3 years. While that first fill sherry influence could add some dark fruits, the wood spice element might be a bit more mild than a European oak cask.
Single Cask Nation gives us quality bottling presentation: a cask strength of 56.2% ABV, as well as a lack of chill filtration and added caramel coloring.
Single Cask Nation Ben Nevis 11 Year Single Cask
Scotland/Highland - Single Malt
Price: USD 120 (2025)
Age Statement: 11 Years
Strength: 56.2% ABV
Cask Makeup: Ex-bourbon, finished in first fill American oak Oloroso sherry hogshead
Details: Not chill filtered, no color added; distilled November 2012, bottled May 2024; cask #160379; 263 bottles
Tasting Methodology: Reviewed 1 time from a sample. Tasted in a nosing glass, rested 15+ minutes
Nose: Industrial - motor oil, lots of weight or heft, even on the nose. A subtle funky side, and then we get dark fruit: tart purple grape, not too dry. There's a bit of wood smoke, and a softer side develops with time - floral, like rose petals.
Palate: A thick mouthfeel - rich, tons of weight like the nose. Oily industrial notes return, but we also find sweet caramel and a decent amount of oak. The grape from the nose is back, too, richer this time.
Finish: Slightly savory, and the fruits grow stronger into the finish: plums, prunes, sweet grapefruit. Overall, it grows a bit more subtle; it's a medium-long finish, and in the aftertaste, we get hints of charred oak.
Final Note: Really interesting whisky, especially on the nose. This Ben Nevis had several different facets that you wouldn't typically see together, but somehow, it all worked and meshed nicely. Great balance between the distillate and the cask impact, with plenty of oily spirit notes paired with the fruit flavors; there's plenty of complexity here to keep us coming back.
Value is okay, about average - this is a little pricey for an 11 year old single cask, but it does deliver flavor that's well above average.
Our Average Rating: 8.0 / 10
In the current whisky landscape of increasing prices and variable quality, we've added a value rating to our reviews that relates to the score and the available pricing of each whisky. This roughly equates to a 0-10 scale; no reviews so far have exceeded a score of 10, although it is technically possible for the formula to produce a value rating higher than 10 with a high enough score and low enough price.
Value Rating: 6.49
About Us: We're a husband and wife review team living in the Midwest United States. Generally, our reviews and tasting notes will be a compilation of both of our experiences with a whisky over several tasting sessions.
Check out our other Ben Nevis reviews:
Review #480 - Adelphi Ben Nevis 10 Year Single Cask
Review #280 - SMWS 78.49 'I Hope You Like Jamming Too!' - Ben Nevis 12 Year
