Ben Nevis 8 Years Old 2016 Peated Artist Collective 7.2 Foundations 700ml | 57.1% ABV

Artist Collective 7.2 takes Ben Nevis in a more forceful direction than the 7.1 release. Distilled in 2016 and bottled in 2024 at 8 years old, it was drawn from three first-fill Montravel hogsheads and released at 57.1% ABV, with 980 bottles produced. It is presented as a peated Ben Nevis, with smoke used as part of the whisky's structure rather than as simple volume.

The interest here is contrast. Ben Nevis already has enough weight and texture to carry unusual cask influence; the Montravel wine casks add colour, fruit and grip, while peat brings a drier, more savoury line through the malt. Compared with Artist Collective 7.1, this is less about easy citrus freshness and more about tension, power and cask-driven depth.

It is best suited to experienced whisky drinkers who enjoy younger Highland malt when it has real structure. The bottle should appeal to collectors of LMDW's Artist Collective series, Ben Nevis followers, and drinkers who like wine-cask influence when it is held against firm distillery character rather than simple sweetness.

Tasting notes

Nose: Dry peat, toffee, orange zest, dark chocolate, sea salt and roasted nuts, with an earthier register developing in the glass.

Palate: Tense and full, with pepper, chilli, poached pear, apricot and citrus over malt, ash and a mentholated lift.

Finish: Long and plush, with dark chocolate, quieter peat, tobacco and candied ginger.