Ben Nevis 1998/2025 - 26 y.o. - Refill Hogshead & Rum Barrique - Master of Malt

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 45.5% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

The long two-stage maturation defines this single-cask bottling. Distilled at Ben Nevis in December 1998, the single malt matured for a total of 26 years: first in a refill hogshead and then in a rum barrique. Master of Malt bottled it in August 2025 at 45.5%, yielding 301 bottles. The whisky is uncoloured and non-chill-filtered.

The rum-barrique finish adds an abundance of tropical fruit to the lively malt core without obscuring it. Ripe apples and pears mingle with pineapple, papaya and melon, alongside pastry, creamy sweetness, buttery oak, gentle spice and a floral nuance.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose is juicy, combining barley water with ripe fruit carrying a faint fermented note and yeasted dough. Apple and pear are accompanied by zesty pineapple, lemon cream and Madeira cake.
• Palate: The whisky is soft, creamy, sweet and balanced on the palate. Sweet sherbet powder tingles at first, followed by notes of papaya, melon and pear.
• Finish: The finish remains fresh, fruity and juicy for a long time. Lively barley and buttery oak carry gentle spice, a hint of liquorice and violet, while a creamy depth lingers.

Distillery/Bottler:

Ben Nevis Distillery is located in Fort William and has belonged to Nikka Whisky Distilling Co., Ltd. since 1989. The Highland single malt was distilled there in December 1998.

Master of Malt has operated as an independent bottler since 1985, when it began shipping single malts. This single-cask bottling belongs to the Masterpiece Collection. Following the rum-barrique finish, Master of Malt bottled the whisky in August 2025.

Facts: