While California-based independent bottler Alexander Murry is perhaps best recognized for the bespoke products it does for Trader Joes and Costco’s Kirkland label, they also release single malts. Sometimes with their own branding, and other times for retail partners such as this Ben Nevis for K&L’s occasion Faultline label.  K&L has used a variety of bottlers for these whiskies over the years, and this bottle came from the quieter pre-Covid era when Alexander Murray was more often a source.

Image Credit to Whisky Monster who included this dram as one of their best of 2019. Check out the full list for a wonderful look back.

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Whisky: Ben Nevis 21 Year (1995), Alexander Murray Co “Faultline” for K&L

Country/Region: Scotland/Highland

ABV: 46.4%

Cask: Refill Bourbon Hogshead

Age: 21 Years (Distilled 1995, Bottled 22 March 2018)

Notes: A grab bag of fruity hard candies provided apple and grape with hints of musk and violets creeping in the background. It was a stolen Halloween cache enjoyed in a linen closet with Tootsie roles, Sour Patch Kids, old linens, and faint mothballs. Light-bodied on the palate, the fruits were fresher and less candied as apple slices and grapes arrived with a bit of peppery oak. Slightly sour herbs, bruised fruit, and yeasty fermentation sat on the backend with honey, faint florals, parchment paper, vanilla, and linens. The finish was medium to long with a gentle pepper, wood shavings, and fruity candy.

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Score: 6-7 (80)

Mental Image: Hidden Closet Snacks

Conclusion: A tad unusual and two faced. At times it offered clean fruits with hints of florals, but occasionally veered into musty closets, sour bruised fruits, or fermenting herbs to take on a danker and filthier quality. It was classic mid-90s Ben Nevis with a call back to dirtier malts from earlier in the decade. Despite the low abv and light body, the flavors had a good presence and the finish was quite long. Overall, far from my favorite of these 90s Ben Nevis, it was interesting and easy to drink, which counts for a lot.