Ben Wyvis 31 Years Old Signatory Vintage Collection Decanter Cask:685 51% 1968

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (90)

I've never tried Ben Wyvis single malt before… Colour: Gold. Nose: Leafy and green, full of green apple peelings, porridge oats, lemon oils, a little toasted sourdough bread, freshly malted barley, dry earth and after a little time some lightly sooty aspects. Really rather lovely! Takes on a gravely, mineralic edge after a while as well. A touch of mustard seed and mixed moroccan spice. With water: some spearmint, green tea and a handful of trail mix. Also a touch of chamois leather. Mouth: Rather spicy, all on white pepper and camphor initially, although this quickly gives way to a rather beautiful waxiness with lamp oil and hessian abound. Grassy olive oil, sandalwood, a well-buttered slice of malt loaf and some toasted sunflower seeds. With water: more citrus and grassy notes along with a lightly chalky mineral quality and a few white flowers. Some pollen and beeswax as well. Finish: Good length, slightly drying but with some elegant honeysuckle and light spice notes towards the end. Comments: I had no idea what to expect really. There's always a concern with these stupid decanters that leave an inexplicably massive amount of air and headroom at the top of the bottle that the whisky will be out of condition. However, I'm pleased to report that isn't the case here. A lovely and rather humbling wee dram. Perhaps akin to a lighter Glen Ord of similar vintage.