Introduction
It’s not every day I sit down with three different single malts from three very different styles—Ben Nevis, Caol Ila, and Inchfad—bottled under the independent “Liquid Treasures” label. I was curious to see how each one stood on its own and whether they complemented each other in a tasting lineup. I didn't approach these expecting a uniform experience, but rather three separate stories in the glass.
Ben Nevis – Nose
The Ben Nevis was up first, and its aroma was a mix of aged character and old-style Highland weight. On the nose, it brought together waxy apples, a touch of engine oil, and a hint of salty butter. There’s also a dusty grain note that reminded me of old cupboards and barley sacks. Time in the glass brought out more stewed fruits, a lick of leather, and faint cocoa. It had that slightly industrial aroma I’ve come to associate with certain older Ben Nevis bottlings.
Ben Nevis – Palate
On the palate, the Ben Nevis was oily and carried a lightly metallic note up front, but this quickly gave way to cooked plum, orange zest, and a dry, herbal bitterness. It wasn’t overly sweet, and I liked that it retained a natural nuttiness without feeling forced. The complexity grew with air, gaining a touch of minerality and a gentle wax character. The spirit never felt masked by the cask, allowing it to speak for itself.
Ben Nevis – Finish
The finish was medium-long, with a noticeable drying effect and a soft bitterness that lingered on the gums. Notes of dried apple, burnt sugar, and black tea remained on the aftertaste. The balance wasn’t perfect, but I found the imperfections gave it some charm, reminding me of unpolished but characterful older Highland whisky.
Caol Ila – Nose
The Caol Ila opened in a fresh and coastal way, typical of the distillery. It smelled clean and maritime, with restrained peat smoke, lemon peel, and crushed seashells. There was a faint sweetness beneath the surface—maybe vanilla and green apple—but nothing that overpowered the mineral and lightly ashy top notes. Not explosive, but quietly confident and with a coastal focus.
Caol Ila – Palate
On the palate, this Caol Ila stayed true to its nose. Gentle peat was laced with lemon oil, green herbs, and just a little salt. The spirit was crisp, light-bodied, and well-integrated. There’s some white pepper on the mid-palate that adds a lift without tipping into harsh territory. I appreciated its clarity and the fact that it didn’t try to do too much. It was a clean expression that stayed close to the distillery style.
Caol Ila – Finish
The finish was light and drying, with fading peat embers and a light bitterness that bought to mind tonic water and dried herbs. Not long, but tidy and consistent. A little vanilla sweetness came through at the very end.
Inchfad – Nose
Finally, the Inchfad. This one stood out right away for its heavier nose. It was earthy and farmy, with distinct hints of damp hay, wood smoke, and rubber. There was also something meaty and yeasty going on—like smoked sausage wrapped in brioche. Not your average soft Highland dram. Some traces of prune and dark treacle surfaced as it settled, suggesting a sherry-influenced maturation.
Inchfad – Palate
On the palate, Inchfad was fat and somewhat chaotic, in a good way. Dirty smoke, medicinal herbs, burnt raisins, and smoked bacon all interplayed in a smoky-sweet collision. It won’t be for everyone, especially if you’re new to peated malts, but there was plenty of personality here. A few sips in, the sherry cask started showing more strongly, adding richness and slight bitterness from the wood tannins.
Inchfad – Finish
The aftertaste was long and packed with chewy peat, toasted nuts, and sulphur-y smoke. A bit aggressive in parts, but not boring. Compared to the more refined Caol Ila or the traditional Ben Nevis, Inchfad came across as the rowdiest of the trio, though not without intrigue.
Price and Value
All three were independently bottled, which usually carries a small premium, but considering the age and specificity of the cask selections, I felt the price was reasonable—especially for the Ben Nevis. The Caol Ila might appeal to purists who enjoy clean, peated malt without sherry influence, while the Inchfad will likely divide opinions. Value always depends on personal taste, but I had no regrets getting to know these.
Background
These three malts came from different corners of Scotland and represent very different production styles. Ben Nevis is a West Highland distillery known for its bolder, funkier profile. Caol Ila, from Islay, is a workhorse known for producing consistently high-quality peated whisky. Inchfad is an experimental peated malt from Loch Lomond Distillery, which itself makes several spirit styles under one roof. These bottlings were selected and released by the independent bottler behind the "Liquid Treasures" label, known for its small-batch releases.
Final Notes
Would I buy any of these bottles again? Of the three, the Ben Nevis is the one I’d most likely seek out a second time. It had the right mix of oddity and tradition. Is Inchfad suitable for newcomers? I'd say no—its smoky, sulfurous intensity might put off less experienced palates. Caol Ila, on the other hand, would be a safer entry point into peated whisky given its more approachable style.
As for which moment suits each? The Caol Ila works well as a late afternoon sipper by the coast—it feels clean and briny. Ben Nevis would be my choice on a quiet night when I want something with depth and old-school charm. Inchfad, honestly, demands your attention, so I’d only pour it when I’m in the mood to concentrate and explore something eccentric.
And how do they compare within their own regions? I’d say the Ben Nevis held its own with Highland malts of similar age. Caol Ila was a textbook expression of the distillery, but maybe less individual than Caol Ilas finished in bold casks. Inchfad’s still in its own strange category—certainly not typical, but that in itself can be compelling.