Ben Nevis 2010 9 Year Un-chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)

This is intriguing. It's an unusual one, smelling somewhat like white wine, and the palate isn't exceptionally complex. However, it's distinctive. I might rate it 3-4 stars depending on my mood, but I keep returning to it. There's something slightly off-putting on the nose, reminiscent of turned white wine, but it enhances the taste when you finally sip it. It has lots of light fruit balanced by the 46% ABV, with notes of apple, pear, and a beeswax-like sweetness still carrying honey. The finish is short and forgettable, but it's crisp, somewhat like a good hard cider. I don't think I'd purchase another bottle, but I'm glad I tried it and I commend the independent bottler for releasing it. Update: As I'm finishing the bottle, I decided to add a little water. I'd hesitated because it's so drinkable as is, and I feared losing potency. It's a good reminder to always try adding a drop or two. It truly improves the nose and reveals some woody spice that was previously hidden. With a bit of water, it's close to 4 stars and the finish even lengthens slightly. At under $40, I would buy this again.

2011 to 2020 Sweetness, lightness, pear, green apple, candy, strong spice, light and delicate, pleasant - 2.25 Peach, sweet apple, apricot, sweetness, not very complex but has some substance — and saltiness mixed, pleasant, slight wood and oakiness - 3 Medium sustain, very mild smoke, oaky - 2.5 2.5 Thin pear, fruit, floral, pear, apple, green apple, apricot, strong spice - 2.25 Floral, fruity, light and thin sweetness, thin slight bitterness that is well-balanced, strawberry, apple, oak, 2.25 Medium sustain, oaky 2.25 2.25 Pear fruits, floral, strong spice, vanilla, dry, 2 Sweetness, pear, vanilla, apples, rich caramel, richness, complex - 3 Low sustain and fades quickly - 2.25 2.25