The finale in a trilogy of releases from the Arran distillery, this is an 18 year old single malt Scotch whisky, matured exclusively in ex-Sherry hogsheads. 9,000 bottles were produced of this limited edition Island single malt, which have been presented without chill-filtration of additional colours.
The sweetness of the Sherry casks is enjoyably pronounced in this one, and is balanced with good helpings of peach flesh and floral wafts along the way.
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This is an amazing non peat malt. I've been to the distillery two years ago and missed a tasting of this special offering. It was offered to me tonight by a neighbor and boy am I glad he did. It tastes like sunshine with a a light fusion of citrus and perhaps Apple . If you like a light clean single malt with no particular note that ver powers everything else going on this is the malt for you. I was so pleased
I only started my serious foray into the better scotcches about a year ago. And have spent quite a lot of time hunting down discontinued whiskies like this one. I was lucky to discover this one in a local whisky shop in Taiwan. And what a beauty. I immediately went back to buy the last two that were still in the shop. Arran is one of my favorite distilleries. The quality of both spirit and casks are just phenomenal. I also tried the new 18 which is great, but this one is just special as well. Not the usual vanilla ice cream form Arran malts, but more spicy, slightly oily nad just a smallest hint of peat. A gem to treasure.
Very nice job by Arran on this one. You can really see the progression when you compare to it's younger siblings, the 10 or the 14. Bottled at 46%, non chill-filtered, natural colour. These guys make a quality product, and it's priced well to boot! Excellent value on a great whisky.
If you are a fan of Arran, you will love it. I think the person below (I do so love an Arran!) does a good job of describing this whisky, so I won't add any more there. It does not have the same depth as some other 18 year olds... Arran is just developing it's stocks, so it doesn't have the older stocks to blend in to this one. What I mean is, there is nothing younger than 18 years old here, but there is also nothing older. It's a great drink, but I believe it will get better as the distillery matures.
On the nose: Vanilla, thick sweet honey. Some tropical fruits (peach & pineapple) and also some sweet spices like clove & cinnamon. On the palate: Sweetness of grilled pineapple and baked bananas but with a touch of warmth like pink peppercorns. A fruity, sweet dram (which you'd associate with a sherry cask) but with a good 'punch' to it. On the finish: Good, medium length finish (thought it might be longer) where the pepper and a bit of red chilli is evident but all wrapped in an overall sherried sweetness This is a good dram... I have an increasing affinity for the Arran expressions and this one does not disappoint!
