Signatory Vintage, 100 Proof Collection Ben Nevis 5YO 57.1% 700ml
Signatory Vintage, 100 Proof Collection
Ben Nevis (5 Year Old)
57.1% ABV
Signatory Vintage are an independent bottler founded in 1988 by Andrew and Brian Symington. The name ‘Signatory’ was derived from the initial intention to find a person of suitable standing to sign the labels for bottles drawn from a single cask. The first cask bottled was a 1968 Glenlivet which quickly sold through long before any suitable signee could be found.
Signatory currently bottle at three strengths: 43%, 46% Unchillfiltered (UCF) and Cask Strength.To add proof of authenticity to their cask strength bottlings, Signatory always include the cask numbers, date of distillation, date of bottling and number of bottles produced.Signatory Vintage’s aim is to offer as wide a range of whiskies as possible, some of which are not even bottled by the proprietary distillery. This allows malt enthusiast to sample the huge variety of subtle differences which occur between casks.
Founded in 1826 by James Henderson at the height of Wick’s celebrated herring boom, the Pulteney Distillery is one of the most northerly on the British mainland. At a time when road links to the town were yet to be established, the distillery was dependent on the sea for its supply of barley and for the shipping out of its malt whisky. Wick became known for the barrels of silver (herring) and gold (whisky) which left the port in vast numbers. The distillery itself has an absorbing history, with its unique stills defying convention to this day. The wash still, in particular, is a source of fascination to visitors due to the absence of a ‘swan neck’. Legend has it that when the still was delivered it was too tall for the still house and the manager simply decided to cut the top off! The Old Pulteney bottle now incorporates a bulbous neck to reflect the shape of the stills.
This single malt whisky was distilled in 2019, using heavily peated barley, at the Ben Nevis distillery in the Highland whisky region of Scotland. It was matured in refill Oloroso Sherry butts and in 2024 was bottled at 57.1% alc/vol as part of the Signatory Vintage 100 Proof range.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Initially there’s a creamy toffee note coming through, charred meats, freshly cut orange citrus, forest floor, tropical fruits and garden herbs.
Palate: Meaty smoke intertwines with candied nuts and stewed red fruits, biscuity malt and a touch of honey.
Finish: Long and lingering, smoke, lemon citrus, white pepper and bitter dark chocolate.