Single Malt Whisky, Scotland/Islay

For the 21st edition of Whisky live Paris, La Maison du Whisky has selected a 2015 vintage from the Ben Nevis distillery. which was founded in 1825 by “Long John” MacDonald. After being bought by Canadian industrialist Joseph W. Hobbs in 1941, the distillery was equipped with a Coffey still between 1955 and 1981, which enabled it to produce a single grain whisky. Having closed both on 1978 and in 1986. it has been owned by the Japanese group Nikka Whisky since 1989. This bottling has a strong character and wonderfully embodies the robust, rustic and vibrant style of this authentic, uncompromising single malt. Characterised by inc4redibly complex and refreshing sequences of herbs, malt and fruit, the flavour and aroma palette combines serenity and depth.

Nose : ethereal yet deep. the nose is extremely delicate and reveals remarkable herbaceous freshness, fruit aromas (pomegranate, mandarin), florals (lavender, violet) and minerals (charcoal). Allowed to breathe, red and black fruits (strawberry, blueberry) join resinous aromas of eucalyptus and malted barley in just-as-subtle second sequence.

Palate : lively and silky. The palate continues on from the nose, revealing apricot, herbal infusions (sage), juicy fruits (persimmon, orange) and milky notes of coconut and latte. More tertiary registers then develop (mushroom, marron glace), alongside vegetable notes (ivy, moss) and powdered flavours of cocoa.

Finish : soft, balanced, Mint chocolate and cardamom tea bring refreshment to a finish that is fill of character. The retro-nasal olfaction heads to new lands, revealing balsamic notes of Vosages bonbons and cedar, precious woods, fruit (orange, quince) and oriental notes of curry and rose petals. These are confirmed on the empty glass, which adds fragrances pf lavender honey.