Ben Nevis Macdonald's Glencoe 8 YO

Ben Nevis Macdonald's Glencoe 8 YO, 58 %

I have only reviewed one Ben Nevis previously, and that was a not a very good experience. That was an independent bottling, however. Now I will try an official product from the distillery; the Ben Nevis Macdonald's Glencoe 8 YO.

This is a blended malt (vatted malt), where the single malt from Ben Nevis has been married with the single malt from one other undisclosed Highland distillery.

This product is a bit unusual in a couple of aspects. It has an age statement and the age is as low as 8 years. In addition it is a blended malt sold at cask stregth; 58 % ABV. This should result in a big and maybe rough whisky. We shall see...

You can purchase this whisky in Sweden at SEK 659 (item number 85525), and online at around GBP 35.

Nose (20/25): Quite sherried on the nose, and lighter than expected.  I do detect mild notes of rubber, but it's not bad in any way. It is a fruity, full and rich nose actually.

Taste (20/25): Massive and bold! Yep, here it comes!. A rich, sherried, and fruity dram. It is full bodied, and then some. This is a whisky that competes in the heavy weight division, while still being quite light on it's feet.

Finish (22/25): Surprisingly long and rich for it's young age. A bit lighter than the initial onslaught. The sweetness is more laid back now, almost sugary. Mild caramel and fruit drops.

Balance (21/25): A BIG dram, and a positive surprise. If Muhammad Ali was a whisky, I believe he would be a Glencoe.

Score (83/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas