Origin: Isle of Arran (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 46%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Lochranza Distillery
Average price: € 70.00
Official website: www.arranwhisky.com
Exited the scene in 2018, in May 2026 the 14 Years Old Arran rejoined the core range of the Lochranza distillery, of course with contemporary graphics.
The result of a joint maturation in ex-bourbon and ex-Palo Cortado sherry casks (“a slight touch,” according to them), essentially replicates the original version which always consisted of a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry, although the latter were not specified and were used in larger percentages.
Tasting Notes
Sweetness with acidulous nuances on the nose, featuring a heart of Petit cookies, Alpenliebe, baked apple, canned pineapple, candied ginger, and marzipan, soaked in apple and grapefruit juice. A spicy touch of nutmeg, cinnamon, and star anise. In length, it becomes warmer, with milk chocolate, praline peanuts, and a faint impression of strawberry jam. The proportion of the casks is evident and functional, providing a pleasant depth. The addition of water emphasizes the sweet part, perhaps too much, flattening its personality.
The citrus aspect is highlighted from the first sip, bringing grapefruit and lime to the forefront, with a more pronounced presence of spices complemented by a decisive kick of black pepper and ginger. The sweetness arrives quickly, opening the palate to pastries (trifle, dry cookies, toffee, marzipan) and fruits (apricot, apple, peach, pineapple, plum), with a bitter undertone from licorice root and anise. Quite pasty and lively, the water soothes the spices and bitter notes, restoring order and elegance on one hand while reducing its energy on the other.
Finale quite long in which all aspects of drinking are found, between spices, bitter notes, pastries, and fruit.
Review: What is described as a light contribution of Palo Cortado is what “saves” this whisky from being just palatable, with enough flair to make it interesting despite being quite the pleaser.
Vote: 87/100