Whisky Ben Nevis 7 ans 2017 1st Fill Vin Orange Signatory Vintage

The Ben Nevis 7 Year Old 2017 First Fill Orange Wine from Signatory Vintage is one of the most original and unexpected bottlings in this leading independent bottler's Un-Chillfiltered collection, delivering a selection of remarkable originality and complexity. A 7-year-old Ben Nevis matured in first-fill orange wine cask, bottled at 46% vol. without chill-filtration and without added colour, an audacious combination that produces a finesse and depth rarely expected from this Highland distillery.

The distillery and ageing

Founded in 1825, Ben Nevis's history is intimately tied to the international reputation of the Long John blend. From 1831, Ben Nevis became the property of John MacDonald, nicknamed Long John for his exceptional height. In 1989, Japanese company Nikka acquired the distillery. Today owned by Nikka Whisky, Ben Nevis produces a single malt of singular personality, immediately recognizable by its distinctive olfactory signature with notes of eucalyptus, coffee, vanilla and bitter orange zest. This Ben Nevis distilled in 2017 has matured in a first-fill cask that previously held orange wine, those skin-contact wines from white grapes that have enjoyed remarkable enthusiasm over the past decade. The influence of this singular cask is delicate and precise on this distillate: subtle tannins from white grape skins bring slightly structured texture and fine oxidative notes that harmonize beautifully with Ben Nevis's powerful and atypical character, in a balance that 46% renders accessible and immediately appealing. Bottled without chill-filtration and without added colour.

Tasting profile

The colour is amber gold with copper and slightly golden highlights, discreetly betraying the influence of the orange wine cask. The nose is striking in its expressivity and originality: Ben Nevis's characteristic aromas assert themselves naturally, eucalyptus, roasted coffee and bitter orange zest, enriched by the singular contribution of the orange wine cask which brings notes of white-fleshed fruit slightly candied, dried apricot, acacia honey and a light herbaceous tannic touch. The whole displays surprising coherence and delicacy for a Ben Nevis. On the palate, the texture is silky and well-coated, distinctly more approachable than a barrel-strength expression, with aromatic complexity of fine depth: soft spices, noble bitterness inherited from the cask, notes of beeswax, candied orange and liquorice. The finish is long, slightly dry and saline, with that return of bitter citrus and spices which is the unmistakable signature of this distillery. A whisky of rare originality and finesse, to be enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to reveal the full complexity of the ageing.

The house

Signatory Vintage is one of Scotland's most respected and prolific independent bottlers, recognised for its ability to select exceptional casks from the country's greatest distilleries. The Un-Chillfiltered collection, systematically bottled without chill-filtration and without added colour, has become a reference among collectors for its quality-to-price ratio and the integrity of its selections. The exploration of orange wine casks within this range is a strong signal of the house's openness and curiosity, unafraid to propose unprecedented marriages between characterful distillates and atypical vessels.

Tasting and pairing

This Ben Nevis 7 Year Old First Fill Orange Wine is best enjoyed neat, in a tulip glass, at room temperature. Its silky texture and 46% strength make it immediately approachable without added water, whilst gaining in complexity with a few minutes of aeration. It will pair beautifully with dark chocolate with orange peel, an apricot and almond tart, toasted nuts and dried fruits, or a hard aged cheese such as 18-month Comté. An ideal bottle for the curious drinker wishing to discover Ben Nevis from an unexpected and refined angle.