Ben Nevis 9 Year (Mossburn / Berry Brothers and Rudd)

 

Here is an unusual case: two independent bottlers working in tandem on a single bottle! This is Mossburn partnered with Berry Brothers & Rudd, and I'm not quite sure the story, but it seems like Berry Brothers & Rudd selected the cask and then Mossburn took control of it and aged it (?). 

Here are the official notes: 

It is always a distinct pleasure to work in collaboration with other respected whisky makers to choose special casks. This confluence of immaculately distilled Ben Nevis has slept under the stewardship of our friends at Mossburn and has now been bottled, at what we feel is its apogee. The nose is replete with tea and sponge cake, served on an antique wooden tray, whilst the palate leans towards the more savoury, malty aspects of traditional Highland whiskies. A delightful icing sugar note gives the finish a touch of sweetness. One to simply drink and enjoy.

Rob Whitehead, Spirits Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd

Distilled in 2012, bottled in 2021, purchased in late 2025 at the Berry Brothers & Rudd shop in Washington DC. Cask Reference 401, and delivered at 57.8% ABV. Let's investigate this double-bottle: 

Nose: A very good balance of Madeira wine and "dirty" Ben Nevis spirit. Beef broth, raisins and plums, leather jackets, almonds, earthy red wine. Over time, vanilla cake and olive oil emerge. 

Later in the bottle and with some water: Buttery, sugary sweet on the nose. Sulphur, too. Metallic undercurrent. More birthday cake. 

Mouthfeel: A bit thin. Does better with water. 

Palate: Very hot at first - lots of raw alcohol. Then I get red wine and vanilla cake, black pepper, leather and brown sugar. 

With water and time, I immediately get raisins and plums, along with cinnamon Red Hots, and I still get a TON of alcohol burn. Brown butter. Vanilla cake. Bitter, metallic flavors emerge on the back end - like cooking herbs and molasses and some light sulphur. 

Finish: Earthy and savory. Pepper, herbs, polished wood, beef consomme. 

Verdict: Good, but not great. Needs an extra dimension or two, in my book. It reminds me of the later editions of Aberlour Abunadh - has a huge kick, some really intriguing flavors, but it feels a little messy. Everything just jammed together, young and intense, and hope for the best. In this case, the Madeira does a lot of heavy lifting, and I think they bottled it when they did because the cask was taking over and the Ben Nevis getting lost.