Origin: Isle of Arran (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 46%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Sherry
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Lochranza Distillery
Average price: € 110.00
Official website: www.arranwhisky.com
Vote: 90/100
We conclude our ride through the new versions of Arran’s declared ageing whiskies with their 18yo.
In the online tasting organised last March by Whisky Italy, Arran’s Global Brand Ambassador Mariella Romano told us that the 18yo is, among the current proposals, the most radically different in terms of production compared to the past. In fact, it’s made from ex-Sherry refill hogsheads filled in 2001 (this first batch, at least) which, like the new 10yo, underwent a 9-month finish in ex-first fill Oloroso Sherry casks before being bottled at 46% ABV, without chillfiltration and, as always for Arran, without the addition of artificial colouring.
Tasting notes
The colour is a mouth-watering caramel.
On the nose, the influence of the casks can be seen in the hints of dried dates, sultanas, milk chocolate and clove spice. But notes of marsala liqueur and vanilla, and a memory of smouldering embers, together with a balsamic undertone of liquorice root, enrich the perceptive spectrum, completed by a bite of shortcrust pastry and an impression of creme caramel.
On the palate, a citrusy hint of blood orange and a hint of caramel, with a generous sprinkling of cloves, warm the mouth, while milk chocolate and sultanas contribute decisively to the overall sense of satisfaction.
The finish stretches on fragrances of blood orange and caramel, with a more delicate spice, until it reaches levels of absolute enjoyment. The empty glass resounds with milk chocolate and you wish you could start again…
A sensual whisky, capable of captivating with its charm and elegance, and showing all the quality of the Arran distillate in every sip.