Review #1273 – Ben Nevis 13yr Hidden Spirits 2006 The Whiskey Exchange Selection

The Schtick: This is an independent bottling of spirit distilled at Ben Nevis and bottled by Hidden Spirits. Distilled in 2006 and bottled in 2019, this 13 year old expression was bottled at cask strength with no coloring or filtering.

Review #1273 | Scotch Review #444

Distiller: Ben Nevis

Bottler: Hidden Spirits

Selection: The Whiskey Exchange

ABV: 55.3% ABV

Age: 13 Years

Nose: Rich, sticky, syrupy, saturated sherry. Dense, sweet and desserty. Cocoa, honey, fig, blackberry. Apricot, vanilla bean. Smells like dessert.

Taste: Medium mouth feel. A bit of heat. Coffee, toffee, figs and stewed fruits. Lots of pepper and sulfur. Heat grows.

Finish: Long, a bit of ash. Honey, soapstone, charcoal, light ash. Light syrupy fruity sweetness. Dry, oaky, peppery.

Overall: What a transformation. The nose was absolutely intoxicating. The palate, less so. A bit hot, a bit dry. The finish was smoky, dry and hot. I wish I could smell this all day but the palate and finish can’t keep up.

Thanks for reading!

Rank: 6

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Decoded:

1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.

2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.

3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.

4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but many things I’d rather have.

5 | Good | Good, just fine.

6 | Very Good | A cut above.

7 | Great | Well above average

8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.

9 | Incredible | An all time favorite

10 | Perfect | Perfect