Origin: Isle of Arran (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 50%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Wine
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Lochranza Distillery
Average price: € 90.00
Official website: www.arranwhisky.com
Third edition of this annual series, which in 2025 saw Arran Distillery Manager Stewart Bowman select first-fill ex-wine casks that had previously contained Spanish red wine produced in the area around the River Duero.
Six years in first and second-fill ex-Bourbon casks and the remaining six in these ex-wine casks, for a total of twelve years of ageing in dunnage number 4.
Tasting Notes
The nose presents fruit in the foreground (peach, apricot, mango, apple) with a blend of citrus fruits (mandarin, grapefruit) and red fruits (raspberries, currants). A touch of spice (aniseed, white pepper, nutmeg) on a sweet base of caramel, vanilla and lemon tart accompanied by tobacco and sandalwood, with a slight hint of incense. Harmonious and well-defined aromas with elegant depth. Adding water enhances the sweetness, throwing everything into disarray: better without.
On the palate, the winey part is much clearer, especially at the start, with a flood of red fruits and acidic and sparkling notes, almost as if the alcohol content were higher, thanks also to the presence of ginger and black pepper. Full-bodied, it quickly brings out the sweet aspects of fruit tartlets, marzipan, pecans, candied orange and grapefruit, linden honey and cinnamon rolls. In the background, there are vegetal notes of tobacco, green tea and fennel with some floral impressions. Hints of coffee liqueur. A few drops of water enhance the vegetal and spicy aspects, upsetting the balance.
The finish is quite long and spicy, with red fruits, cooked cream, shortcrust pastry, vegetal and floral notes, and sandalwood.
Review: Despite the length of the second maturation, the distillate retains its personality and allows the casks to work together in harmony, a balance maintained thanks to the alcohol content. A few flaws in the length, but still a great dram.
Vote: 87/100