Ben Nevis 1996 24 year (Single Malts of Scotland)

Initially I'm met with an aroma of apple with some spice and maybe a touch of caramel; I'm reminded of apple pie. Fruity palate, medium body, the wood is nicely integrated and doesn't steal the show. Some floral notes emerge on the finish. I've read Ben Nevis went under a bit of an overhaul which affected 1996 onward, so this is the oldest one can get under the "new regime". This isn't an in-your-face dram but I find it immensely enjoyable, and would love to try some other BNs from this year, given some are said to be even better.

The nose starts with a mix of powdered sugar dusted caramelized mangoes, kiwi and dusty leather-bound books then dark chocolate covered golden raisins, honeycomb, freshly lit pipe tobacco and light seaside minerality followed by nectarines, persimmons and tangerine orange that transitions to light baking spices and polished antique furniture with medium ethanol burn. The taste is a medium mouthfeel starting with a mix of powdered sugar dusted caramelized mangoes, pineapple and dusty leather-bound books then dark chocolate mocha, golden raisins, honeysuckle, freshly lit pipe tobacco and light seaside minerality followed by peaches, limes and tangerine orange that transitions to light baking spices and polished antique furniture with medium ethanol burn. The finish is medium length with caramelized mangoes, grilled pineapple, nectarines, black pepper, mild pipe smoke, honeysuckle, light sea salt, leather and polished antique furniture. Overall, this is a delightful dram that is very fruit forward with tropical fruits underscored with well-aged oak along with light sherry notes, mild smoke and seaside minerality that is incredibly well-balanced with all the notes flowing harmoniously together and nothing out of place. It’s a wonderful and relaxing dram that I could spend hours with a bottle to sit back, pour a few glasses and just ponder its many facets over but the flavors are unfortunately thinner than I’d prefer and would really like them to be a bit bolder and richer. Thanks so much for this tasty dram @Richard-ModernDrinking , as I’ve never tasted a Ben Nevis before and will need to keep an eye out for them going forward.