Introduction Some bottles make an impression before the cork is even pulled—normally that comes down to age, cask type, or the distillery name. In this case, it was a combination of all three. The Ben Nevis 1996 and Linkwood 2010 were both part of the same independent bottling series, which caught my eye immediately. I was already familiar with Ben Nevis's rich, weighty Highland malt, and I was curious about how it would compare with a younger, fresher Speyside spirit like Linkwood. Tasting them side-by-side offered a chance to experience two very different interpretations of Scotch under one label. Nose The Ben Nevis 1996 opened with a mature and slightly funky edge that’s hard to describe but immediately recognisable to fans of the distillery. There was a mix of wax, damp hay, and old leather—a sign of age and long interaction with sherry wood. Dried fruits followed, including figs and sultanas, with a touch of balsamic and iron-like minerality. It's complex but not overwhelmingly rich; everything feels quite settled. The Linkwood 2010, on the other hand, felt crisp and clean. Fresh orchard fruits—especially green apples and pears—dominated the nose at first. There was also a soft cereal background and a mild vanilla sweetness that made it feel very approachable. Although it's clearly a younger whisky, it had a polished, tidy character that didn’t come across as immature. Palate Ben Nevis brought more of that aged, oxidised sherry character to the palate. The mouthfeel was textured—almost oily—and carried layers of old oak, roasted nuts, and black tea. There's a savoury tone underneath the dried fruits that kept the sweetness in check, along with hints of pepper and a mineral edge that lingered throughout. With Linkwood, the palate was sharper and lighter, but in a clean and refreshing way. Lemon zest came through early, followed by vanilla cream and barley sugar. The structure was lean but precise, and there was a clear Speyside elegance in how the flavours unfolded. Unlike the Ben Nevis, there was no noticeable sherry influence here—it's all about the spirit and the oak. Finish Ben Nevis lingered with a dry, earthy finish. The darker flavours—tobacco, spice, and a slight metallic tang—faded slowly, making it a whisky to sit with for a while. There was a touch of bitterness in the tail end, but it fit the overall character well. The Linkwood’s finish was shorter and lighter. It faded with hints of citrus peel and vanilla dryness, leaving a fresh, clean impression. It's the kind of whisky that resets the palate rather than challenges it. Price and Value Older Ben Nevis bottlings usually command a fair price, and this one was no exception. But considering its age and the quality of the cask, I found it reasonable for what it offers. It's a whisky geared toward enthusiasts who enjoy complexity and old-school Highland character. Linkwood 2010, meanwhile, was clearly the younger and more accessible of the two—both in price and profile. It might not have the layered depth of a 20+ year-old whisky, but it delivers clean Speyside notes in a well-made package. I'd call it good value and especially well-suited for casual sipping or for someone building their introduction to single malts. Background Ben Nevis is a Highland distillery known for its full-bodied spirit and a somewhat cult following among whisky fans. This particular 1996 vintage spent over two decades in sherry casks, and during that time, developed considerable personality and complexity. You can read more about the distillery's history at the official Ben Nevis Distillery website. Linkwood, on the other hand, is a Speyside distillery typically associated with floral, fruity spirit—often forming a key component in various blends. This 2010 release was bottled at just over a decade old and offers a clearer view of the distillery’s house style, relatively untouched by heavy cask influence. Learn more via the Diageo Linkwood page. Final Notes Between the two, the Ben Nevis was clearly the more complex and layered pour, while the Linkwood provided a sharper, more immediate drinking experience. Would I buy the Ben Nevis again? Yes, if I were after something with depth and a bit of a challenge. The Linkwood I’d probably revisit as an everyday dram—it’s easygoing but still well crafted. Is either of these suitable for someone just getting into whisky? The Linkwood certainly feels more accessible, while the Ben Nevis is better suited for those already comfortable with robust, sherried malts. In terms of occasion, I’d reserve the Ben Nevis for slower evenings when there’s time to pay attention—it rewards that kind of setting. The Linkwood is far more flexible and could easily fit into a casual tasting with friends. How do these compare to other whiskies from their respective regions? I’d say the Ben Nevis is more distinctive than many Highland malts—it doesn’t follow the typical path, which is part of its charm. Linkwood lines up well within the Speyside profile and delivers it cleanly, though without much in the way of surprises.