Ben Bracken Highland 40% ABV

Nothing could be found out about this Highland offering except that it was bottled by the Clydesdale Whisky Co, and bottled at 40% ABV.

Appearance

Mid gold in colour, again a decent thick swirl line on my Glencairn, and thick legs too. #thewhiskeychaps

Nose

It’s coming across a little more punchy than the Speyside bottle. Definitely floral though, honey, butter pastries, perhaps some oil creeping in, linseed? A little foresty I’d say as it’s sitting. #thewhiskeychaps

Palate

The mouthfeel is thin this time, but the palate is quite fruity and a little spicy. Ginger, apricots, pineapple, white pepper, and light cumin at the moment. Again this is teasing darker and heavier fruits like the Speyside bottling. #thewhiskeychaps

I have to be honest and say that the promise of darker heavier flavours doesn’t really happen. I can say cigar leaves, and unsweetened coffee but that’s really it for me. #thewhiskeychaps

Finish

Shortish, but there are some nice stewed dark fruit notes here, with black pepper too. #thewhiskeychaps

My thoughts

What to say……… We tasted this bottling after the Ben Bracken “Speyside” bottling. The Speyside bottle was likeable, it had some intriguing aspects, sadly this bottle didn’t for me. I was expecting a bolder whisky here, it’s from the Highlands of Scotland after all, but no, it was quite flat for me, even underwhelming. No it’s isn’t a bottle i’d purchase, and i do think the “Speyside” bottle is a better purchase even if this bottle is very well priced.

A big thank you goes out to @Jotterface, @pswhisky, @whiskytip, @mentaldrams and @DavidHaldane for joining us on our tasting this whisky was a part of.