Ben Nevis founded in 1825 by the legendary "Long John" MacDonald, Ben Nevis Distillery is Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery. Located at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, the distillery draws its water from the mountain’s summit – a unique and legally protected source that no other distillery can access.
The distillery produces a rich, full‑bodied Highland single malt. Ben Nevis remains Scotland’s last distillery to use brewer’s yeast in fermentation, creating a heavy, oily new‑make spirit that matures beautifully in ex‑sherry casks. This traditional method gives the whisky deep notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and walnut.
Since 1989, Ben Nevis has been owned by the Japanese whisky house Nikka. Most of its prized spirit is sent to Japan for blending, making official distillery bottlings rare and highly sought after by collectors. Key expressions include the Ben Nevis 10‑Year‑Old, McDonald’s Traditional Malt, and the Dew of Ben Nevis and Glencoe blends.
Ben Nevis stands as a living link between old Highland character and modern Japanese craftsmanship.
