Ben Nevis 7 Year 2013 (Thompson Bros.)

(Good Spirits Co. Glasgow – Virtual Whisky Tasting, March 5, 2021). The nose has caramel, acetone, orchard fruit, and sweet licorice. The palate presents mocha, toffee, caramelized fruit, sulphur, and mud (!?!). The finish includes peat, moss/earth/funk, with a touch of sweetness but predominantly a numbing, mouth-coating, funky dram! There's a funk to this that I genuinely appreciate. It was described during the tasting as a 'grumpy' whisky, and that makes perfect sense when you taste it! Chewy, funky, ill-tempered, and delicious! I purchased a bottle online before even finishing the tasting pour. 1 of 1013 bottles. The label artwork by Karon Mabon features a cat and a ramen noodle bowl – what's not to love! It placed third out of the six whiskies, receiving 20% of the votes for favorite of the night. 77% of attendees indicated they enjoyed the whisky.

This has turned into an enjoyable 'drink anytime' spirit! The aroma has golden raisins and matchsticks, with added stone fruit sweetness and caramel on the palate. It has a satisfyingly full and dry mouthfeel and a medium-long finish at 50% alcohol. A great deal for under $60.