Arran Machrie Moor Peated - Batch 6 Whisky 70cl

I would describe this as stunning. I had a blind taste test with this and some other Arran Whiskeys. It's a beautiful, perfectly balanced sip - for me - and I would recommend it highly!

Compared this with Cask MM and found cask brings out peat better. Still an enjoyable pour with traditional Arran style all through. Would have enjoyed a few more ppm’s, but since Arran is my go-to, no complaints.

Okay...just finished the bottle, so time for a cautious review. This dram is like a sports team that signs a bunch of superstars, but fails to gel as a cohesive unit. Who are those stars? A gentle level of peat, without the usual accompanying divisive brine nose and feel; an ideal ABV of 43; and the all-time great maltiness of the Arran (which I adore in the Robert Burns, the Bothy cask strength and the great 14-yr old). Nothing quite comes together, even though the disparate elements shine. Good mouthfeel, some odd phenolic and woodsy notes in the nose, and a pleasant, but not too short finish. I love the Arran deeply, but found this to be less than the sum of its parts.

It's a pretty consistent peated single malt from nose to finish, nice bold citrus and peat smoke, however it's not as complex as other island drams but at the offering price I'd say it's definitely worth a try before buy.

Taste profile similar to the Islay malts, though not as rich or as smokey. Almost like a mellower Ardbeg or Caol Ila. Lots of lemon and lime skin with gingerbread on the palate. Long, sweet, peaty finish. Very good, but not sure it's up there with the Islays in this price range for my money.