This dram certainly took a commanding lead for most interesting whisky I have tried in 2026. I have had my fair share of beer maturations, and while they can go remarkably well, especially with stouts, they can sometimes go horribly wrong.

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Whisky: Ben Nevis 11 Year (2012), Thompson Brothers Cask RR21005

Country/Region: Scotland/Highland

ABV: 51.6%

Cask: Stout Barrel Finish (22 mo.)

Age: 11 Years (Distilled 13 Nov. 2012, Bottled Nov. 2023)

Notes: Beer, beer pretzels, cheese, and mustard, the aroma had all the hallmarks of a busy beer hall with a bit of sour, stale old spilt beer on the floor. Unsweetened baking chocolate and sour fermentation gradually shifted toward blackstrap molasses and pumpernickel bread. Medium-bodied and slightly syrupy on the palate, the flavors were similar with plenty of beer hall vibes accompanying sweet honey and mead. Very bread-like with pretzels and pumpernickel leading the way to rye bread, salted butter, honey, and marmalade. Water brought out some medicinal liquid Tylenol and bright pink amoxicillin. Medium to short with spilled mead, old bread, and a musty concrete floors.

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Score: 3 (65)

Mental Image: Beer Hall Clean Up

Conclusion: This was shockingly beer-like… too beer-like if I am honest. None of the beer finished whiskies I have had over the years were as upfront and in your face as this. While I respect the experimentation, and love trying interesting whiskies, this was not to my taste. It was skunky, sour, and bittersweet; not a winning combination. Overall, interesting whisky— I want to pour this for other people, just not myself.