July 10, 2014

Tasting two Arran

Arran’s reputation doesn’t seem to stop growing within connoisseur circles, which, I think, is more than deserved.

Isle of Arran 12 yo 2001/2013 (46%, Malts of Scotland, sherry hogshead, cask #MoS 13064, 310 bottles) Colour: deep gold. Nose: smells a bit like some date arrak at first nosing, on sweet grapes, sultanas, dates indeed and then more overripe plums and apricots, with a honeyed touch. A very sounded nose, very raisiny, but there are leaves and grass emerging after two minutes, which balances that. A very pleasant, rather uncomplicated nose. Mouth: same feeling. Raisins and dates, dried figs, a little marmalade, a little sweet wine Rivesaltes-style, and then more grass, tea and pepper, although the whole remains sweet and easy. I find this very good, and again, very easy. Finish: quite long, with more Ovaltine, raisins, honey, maple syrup… More salted fudge in the aftertaste. Comments: a clean sherried version that’s please just anyone, especially at this easy strength. Very, very quaffable. SGP:551 - 85 points.

Arran 17 yo 1997/2014 (50.1%, OB for The Whisky Fair 2014, sherry hogshead, cask #1997/518, 246 bottles) Colour: straw. Nose: rather more citrusy, and less candied and honeyed. Oranges, lemon zests, lemongrass, then a little cooked rhubarb and earth. Then rather orange blossom honey, raw malted barley, meadow flowers and, well, simply nectar. A very light style, with something ‘Lowlands’ that works very well. Mouth: exactly the same, plus a curious meatiness and flintiness that may come from the sherry cask. Tart citrus, grapefruits, icing sugar and jellybeans (lemon-flavoured), lemon curd, then drops of lemon sauce (Thai-style, I’d say). Good body, does not seem to need water. Finish: long, lemony, slightly acidic, nervous and very clean despite the unusual meaty side. Comments: same high quality as the MoS, despite some very diverging styles. SGP:551 - 85 points.

Check the index of all Arran I've tasted so far