This whisky is close to our heart. It was the first cask we ever bought, one cold, winter’s evening when all we dreamed about was bottling something to commemorate special times with our friends and family. Ben Nevis is one of our favourite distilleries and a bottle of Ben Nevis 10 year old is a staple on our shelf.

Founded all the way back in 1825 by John MacDonald, the distillery sits below the eponymous mountain. The distillery has switched hands over the years and even to a Canadian, Joseph Hobbs, who made his money smuggling spirits across Lake Ontario to the United States during prohibition. At the moment, it is most recognisable as a single malt but has also made its name through its current Japanese owner, Nikka, who have historically used the whisky for production in its own blends, including Nikka Black.

Known for its robust character, the spirit is able to hold its own when aged in more robust casks, which includes this bottling, which has matured fully in a first fill Oloroso sherry hogshead. That combination of elegance and fortitude was the inspiration for the “White Bishop”. Toronto-based artist Alexander Perkins was able to bring “Bc1” to life as the fifth limited edition release in the Chess series and we are forever grateful to be able to work with someone so talented.

This single malt scotch whisky is non-chill filtered and naturally coloured, yielding 311 bottles at a cask strength of 58.7% ABV.