Ben Nevis 1997 tasting by Neil Ridley

By Neil Ridley, Drinks Writer and Presenter on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch (@worldsbestspirits)

Colour: Light straw/gold

Nose: Creamy, with homemade vanilla fudge, peanut brittle and a lovely soft milk chocolate note.   Dig a little deeper and you’ll find some fresh plums, dried apricots and freshly-baked Portuguese custard tarts.

Palate: Delicate and slightly perfumed at first, then comes a swathe of fresh creamy custard, a touch of menthol, some well seasoned vanilla-steeped oakiness and a touch of pipe tobacco.  A little water brings more fresh fruitiness, with ripe pear and summer pudding.

Finish: Lingering notes of creamy custard and a slightly tropical note of kiwi fruit, balanced nicely with a light incense and a touch of parma violet.

Overall comment: A dream come true for dessert connoisseurs. This is creamy, unctuous and beautifully balanced.