Ben Nevis, 1998-2017, 60th Anniversary of Nanashima, Selected by Carsten Erich & Hideo Yamaoka, Cask No. 1525, 55/120, 52.1% abv.

This bottle is subtley epic on so many levels. One is it's a Whisky Talk bottle, the famous whisky festival held in Fukuoka every year. The second is that it honors the 60th anniversary of a symbolic bar in Fukuoka, not many whisky bars get to celebrate a 60th anniversary. An interesting tidbit is that there is a connection between Nikka Bar Nanashima and Bar Higuchi, the bar where I tasted this bottle and the organizer for Whisky Talk. Third is, the label art was made by Tanaka Chisato (田中千智), a relatively famous artist from Fukuoka for her painting "style", which is summarized on the label. Fourth is, Hideo Yamaoka is known for his superb collection and cask selection results. Sorry, I do not know who Carsten Erich is.

Nose: oily, light toast, grapes and lemon zest.

Palate: dry, some old steamed lotus leaves/expired sherry, cooked squash, some sweetness but not enough to overtake the expired sherry/tannic feel, no smoke.

Finish: medium, a coating of toast and squash.

A little strange, as it seems to be a lighter version of the Chichibu (#2633) I just had. Have I had too much to drink tonight? I'm a little suspicious because I don't think there should have been sherry residue. Light bodied, toasty, and cooked vegetables. Had this at Bar Higuchi, Fukuoka, Japan.

Grade: C+

Couldn't find quantifiable, reliable reviews.

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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