Origin: Arran Island (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 56.2%ABV
Ageing casks: Finished in ex-Sherry
Chillfiltered: No
Added colouring: No
Owner: Lagg Distillery
Average price: € 90.00
Official website: www.laggwhisky.com
Released in the second half of 2025, this limited edition of Arran’s peated whisky is the first of the official small batches from the distillery, preceded by a version that was only available locally the previous year.
As always, the term “small batch” is very vague in defining a limited edition, sitting between the regular ones and those with a truly small number, but in the end, it’s a matter that only collectors care about; what matters is the content.
After an unspecified initial aging, the distillate spent an equally unspecified time in ex-Palo Cortado sherry casks, being bottled at cask strength in September 2025, with an initial declared peat level of 50 ppm. It is likely that the age is around four years.
Tasting Notes
Coastal on the nose, between seaweed and wet rocks, with an abundance of olives in brine, soy sauce, and pecans. Between orange and white fruits (peach, apricot, pineapple), the fruity component accompanies spicy notes (cloves and slight black pepper) riding on a distinct but not overwhelming smokiness, with sweet hints of ribs in BBQ sauce. Adding water softens the tones, making it more graceful. Simple yet pleasant.
The palate is enriched with ginger, chili pepper, and cloves that set the stage, highlighting the strong citrus and salty aspects, where brine and mineral tones envelop the orange in juice. The peat shifts onto the extinguished embers, with rather vibrant bitter nuances, especially in length. Aromatic herbs (thyme, marjoram), peeled almonds, and dried apricot provide a backdrop, partially softening the aggressive roughness of the sip. Leather on lenght. The water tones down the aggression of the spices, allowing more room for citrus and fruit, yet it still remains piercing.
Finale quite long, salty, and mineral, with spicy notes, aromatic herbs, orange, ash, and nuts.
Review: A still immature whisky, with a pronounced maritime personality (which is a plus) but struggling to integrate with the casks, expressing many, too many youthful flaws. Unbalanced, with the alcohol content not helping to give it substance.
Vote: 82/100