Kanpaikai 1996 Ben Nevis 28 Year Old Single Cask Scotch Whisky

The Kanpaikai 1996 Ben Nevis 28 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky is an exceptional long-aged Highland release distilled at the renowned Ben Nevis Distillery in 1996 and matured for 28 years. This rare single cask expression showcases the distinctive old-school character for which mature Ben Nevis has become highly sought after, combining vibrant tropical and orchard fruits with earthy minerality, waxy texture and the distillery’s characteristic bitter, green complexity. After nearly three decades of maturation, the whisky retains remarkable freshness and intensity, making this a compelling example of mature Ben Nevis and a highly collectible release from Kanpaikai.

Distillery: Ben Nevis Distillery
Bottler: Kanpaikai
Vintage: 1996
Age: 28 Years Old
Cask Type: Refill Hogshead
ABV: 49.6% 
Cask Number: 1334
Outturn: 192 Bottles

Kanpaikai is an independent bottler focused on distinctive single cask whiskies selected for their individuality, maturity and ability to showcase the character of the spirit and cask. With an emphasis on limited releases and exceptional aged stocks, Kanpaikai bottlings offer enthusiasts the opportunity to explore unique expressions from celebrated distilleries. This 1996 Ben Nevis captures the combination of tropical fruit, waxiness, minerality and assertive bitterness that has made well-aged examples from the Highland distillery particularly prized amongst whisky enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes:
A beautifully expressive nose opens with ripe mango and banana alongside coppery minerality, damp earth and the gentler, more elegant side of mature Ben Nevis. The palate turns considerably firmer and more energetic, delivering vibrant lemon acidity, small pears, crisp green apples and unusual wild fruit notes layered with wax, leafy chlorophyll and characteristic bitters. The finish is long, concentrated and increasingly green, with persistent citrus acidity, waxy fruit and assertive herbal bitterness creating a complex and distinctly Ben Nevis conclusion.