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Ben Nevis

Distillery Logo

Highlands

1825

Michael Ridpeath
*Distillery Manager

Ben Nevis Distillery Ltd (Nikka, Asahi Breweries)

2,000,000

Barrel Head

capacity/lpa

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head whisky maker(s)

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region

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Year Founded

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owner

Ben Nevis Distillery, nestled on the outskirts of the scenic Fort William in the West Highlands, is a renowned producer of single malt whisky. Situated in the shadow of the iconic Ben Nevis mountain, the distillery has a rich history dating back to 1825 when it was established by 'Long' John McDonald. Over the years, it has changed hands multiple times and contributed to various whisky blends.

One of the distillery's colorful owners was Joseph Hobbs, who acquired it in 1955 through his company, Ben Nevis Distillery (Fort William). Hobbs, a self-made man who had ventured into smuggling spirits during US Prohibition, invested in the Scotch whisky industry after returning to the UK during the 1920s. His whisky empire included not only Ben Nevis but also other notable distilleries like Bruichladdich, Glenury, Glenkinchie, and Hillside. However, in 1981, Ben Nevis found itself under the ownership of Whitbread & Co., marking another chapter in its storied history.

Ben Nevis is renowned for its diverse range of expressions, including its flagship 10 Year Old Single Malt to its abundant presence in the current independent bottling market. Additionally, it plays a vital role in the creation of the Dew of Ben Nevis blended Scotch. Notably, a significant portion of its new-make spirit finds its way to Japan, where it is a key component of the popular Nikka Black blend.

-Written (Mostly) by Robots-

Berry Bros. & Rudd

  • 1997 - Butt #103 - Royal Mile Whiskies - 55.8% - Harold H.

Decadent Drinks

  • 1996/26 Year |WhiskySponge - Edition No. 52| Refill Hogshead - 50.1% Harold H.

Liquid Treasures

  • 1996/25 Year - Bourbon Hogshead #1747 (Joint Bottling w/Acla da Fans) - 53.6% Harold H.

Nickolls & Perks

  • 1996/26 Year |Inaugural Casks| Refill Hogshead 854 - 51.9% Harold H.

Murray McDavid

  • 1996/25 Year |Mission Gold - Limited Release| Refill Hogshead #1582 (Bottled for Tyndrum Whisky) - 53.9% Harold H.

The Whisky Exchange

  • 1996/22 Year |The Magic of the Cask| Refill Sherry Butt #1465 - The Whisky Show 2019 - 51.6% - Harold H.

The Whisky Jury

  • 1995/23 Year |1st Release| Refill Hogshead #970 - 51.2% - Harold H.


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