The Colours of Whisky 1996 Ben Nevis 29 Year Old "Anthology" Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

An extraordinary expression of mature Highland single malt, The Colours of Whisky 1996 Ben Nevis 29 Year Old "Anthology" represents almost three decades of patient maturation, exceptional cask selection and the distinctive character that has made vintage Ben Nevis one of Scotland's most sought-after whiskies.

Distilled in 1996 and bottled in 2026 after 29 years of maturation, this exceptional release was selected for The Antelope and Absolutely Nuts as part of The Colours of Whisky collection. Drawn from a single Sherry Cask, Cask #76876, the whisky yielded an extraordinarily limited outturn of just 125 bottles worldwide.

Bottled at a natural cask strength of 54.3% ABV, without chill filtration or added colouring, this expression preserves the remarkable texture and individuality of mature Ben Nevis.

Distillery: Ben Nevis Distillery
Bottler: UD
Series: The Colours of Whisky
Edition: Anthology
Selected For: The Antelope & Absolutely Nuts
Vintage: 1996
Bottled: 2026
Age: 29 Years Old
ABV: 54.3%
Cask Type: Sherry Cask
Cask Number: 76876
Outturn: 125 Bottles

Established in 1825 by Long John McDonald at the foot of Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis Distillery has developed an exceptional reputation for producing one of the Highlands' most distinctive and characterful single malt whiskies.

The distillery's production during the 1990s has become especially interesting to whisky enthusiasts, with independently bottled examples from this period frequently showcasing an extraordinary combination of fruit concentration, textural richness and distinctive distillery character.

This particular 1996 vintage offers a fascinating interpretation of that style. After 29 years in a Sherry Cask, Cask #76876 has developed a beautifully layered profile that combines ripe stone fruits, dark honey and delicate sherry sweetness with earthy, mineral and herbal characteristics.

Selected for The Antelope and Absolutely Nuts, this release celebrates the appeal of rare independent bottlings, where individual casks reveal unique expressions of a distillery's character.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Beautifully complex and wonderfully expressive, opening with ripe tropical fruits and juicy yellow peaches. Rich dark honey gradually emerges alongside delicate sherry sweetness, creating an inviting balance between concentrated fruit and mature oak. Subtle herbal notes introduce freshness, while hints of green apple, mint and freshly cut grass provide a lively contrast. As the whisky develops in the glass, the distinctive earthy and mineral qualities associated with Ben Nevis become increasingly apparent, accompanied by a faint savoury, slightly sulphury character that adds further individuality without overwhelming the fruit.

Palate: Powerful, full-bodied and generously oily, with an immediate burst of ripe peaches and concentrated orchard fruits. Sweet berries and tropical fruit notes develop alongside rich honey and delicate sherry influence, creating a beautifully expressive fruit character. The whisky's substantial texture provides a luxurious mouthfeel, while earthy minerality and gentle herbal notes introduce a fascinating savoury dimension. Subtle oak tannins and a touch of rustic Ben Nevis character provide structure, allowing the sweetness and fruit to remain beautifully balanced. With time in the glass, the stone-fruit character becomes increasingly prominent, revealing an elegant combination of yellow peaches, honey and seasoned oak.

Finish: Medium to long, warming and wonderfully distinctive, with lingering ripe fruits and golden honey. Gentle earthy and mineral notes gradually emerge alongside subtle herbal freshness and mature oak. A delicate savoury character provides contrast to the persistent fruit sweetness, leaving a beautifully balanced and characterful Highland conclusion.