ABV
59.1%
Region
Highlands
Bottling
Distillery (exclusively bottled for deinwhisky.de)
Cask type
Refill Sherry Hogshead (#2009/881, 253 btl.)
Nose
At first somewhat restrained on the nose with sweet toffee and a slightly floral note. With time, subtle citrus fruits such as lime and oranges are added, accompanied by milk chocolate, some honey and fine hazelnut cream.
Palate
Creamy and sweet on the palate with a sticky fruit of oranges, together with honey and toffee. In spite of the high alcohol content, only a slight peppery spiciness, combined with a pleasant warmth, is noticeable. Hazelnut cream towards the finish with a slightly bitter note of orange peel and subtle oak spice.
Finish
The finish is long and creamy with toffee and some oak. Towards the end there are slightly floral notes with dried flowers and a touch of liquorice.
With water
With a few drops of water much fresher and more prickling on the nose with citrus aromas and sweet pineapple, accompanied by honey and milk chocolate. Still sweet and creamy on the palate with lots of toffee and milk chocolate, embedded in a light warmth and a touch of pepper. The finish is still long with hazelnut cream and a touch of dry oak.
Comments
This limited bottling of Arran is very drinkable despite its high alcohol content. There is a nice balance of citrus fruits, honey and milk chocolate, with the spicy influence of the cask remaining discreetly in the background. The addition of water is also worthwhile. A basically solid, 10 year old Arran in cask strength, which also pleases in summer temperatures.
I thank deinwhisky.de for the complimentary sample and the photograph!