Nose: Honey, sweet citrus, vanilla. It’s a lightly dulcet nose that is not spoiled by a dash of water. Palate: Easy arrival that is sweet, but not overly so, and certainly not syrupy. Light honey and cereal. A little vanilla and banana. The texture is good, surprisingly oily for a blend, and the grain whisky presence is detectable but not objectionable. Finish: Medium/Short. Cereal with sweet notes of vanilla and thinned honey. A perfectly acceptable blended scotch that shows no obvious faults. The grain whisky component is balanced and soft and the Ben Nevis malt character shows through. Some time ago I reviewed the Nevis Dew Red Label 12 old blend and gave it 3 stars, which in hindsight was a little generous. This Blue Label, although cheaper and not bearing an age statement, is less complex but more approachable and it is reasonably priced. I would recommend a taste for anyone who enjoys mild and unpeated blended scotch, and it is particularly good with a cube of ice or a dash of soda water. This would be a perfect session whisky. Tasted at Ben Nevis distillery, 9 April 2025. “Above Average” : 82/100 (3.25 stars)