Ben Nevis 1999, Nanyang Whisky, 1btl per Pax

Nanyang whisky being a small indy outfit started by some whisky friends in Singapore. Colour: gold. Nose: a big mix of tree saps, flower nectars, heather honey and more delicate things like myrtle, lemongrass and, in time, a growing waxiness. A sort of halfway house between the 1996s and later vintages. I have to say, given time, this quickly evolves into a wax and honey tango that's extremely impressive. With water: getting wonderfully, yet subtly coastal now, with sandalwood and beach pebbles, a little chalk too, some lemon rind and yet more wonderful waxy notes. Mouth: lovely peppery attack, slight herbal and green bitterness, these nice delicate sappy notes once again, and then a really pure waxiness that very vividly recalls similar vintages of Clynelish. One for Serge's Axis of Wax, or Waxis of Minerality - whatever that emerging categorisation is called? There's also some lovely yellow and green fruits in the mix, syrupy fruit salad juices and the like. With water: again a little saltier and a little more coastal, which is just perfect as it brings a dimension of added freshness while still keeping these waxes and fruits in play. Finish: long, perfectly waxy, lemon, on fruit teas and even a few exotic touches too. Comments: hard to ask for more from a Ben Nevis of this pedigree. 
SGP: 562 - 90 points.