The nose is a little shy but becomes brighter with a little water. It has a phenolic edge, but with tinned peaches and vanilla. The pallete doesn’t wear its high ABV lightly, and comes on a little rowdily before water. There’s the classic Ben Nevis signature notes of orange peel and toffee, but less gracefully integrated than in the standard 10 year old. Waxy fruit notes linger in the finish. Not the best Ben Nevis I’ve tasted, but an enjoyable dram nevertheless.