Arran 1998 Sherry Cask #513

Icons of Arran The 'Westie'

The Icons of Arran is a limited series of 12yo releases which highlight different typical elements of the island. First there was Arran Peacock, next Arran The Rowan Tree and now Arran The Westie, a tribute to Ruaraidh, the West Highland Terrier of the distillery manager. It is composed of 22 oloroso sherry hogsheads from 1998. Arran 12 yo 1998...

Score 84/100

Arran The Bothy

In September 2015 Arran launched The Bothy, matured on quarter casks, which we know primarily from Laphroaig. A quarter cask is some 125 liters and was used originally to transport on horseback. This Arran was first matured on regular bourbon casks and then finished for 18 months on these smaller casks. Did you know that the word ‘bothy’ actually...

Score 85/100

Arran 12 Year Old Cask Strength

This is batch # 1 of Arran's new core expression. Nose: at full strength, it is warm, butter-nutty (peanut brittle?), somewhat closed. After adding water it becomes fudgy, slightly herbal, and much fruitier (melons, pears). A touch of licorice. Very inviting. Taste: at full strength it fairly explodes on the tongue, first with that lively Arran...

Score 90/100

Arran 14 Year Old

Over the past year I've found a renewed fondness for the orange-nosed younglings of the Southern Hebrides, Jura and Arran. The Arran 14 was launched in 2010 and was their oldest expression until the release of a 17yo,earlier this year.I haven't had the opportunity yet to try this new expression. But at least for now, the older=better saying seems...

Score 85/100