Located in Lochranza, Scotland, Arran distillery is the only distillery on the island of Arran. It was founded in 1994 and the distillery opened it's doors in 1995.
They have a good core range boasting 10, 12, 14 and 16 year old single malts along with a host of "finished" bottlings. Add in a number of blends, and a cream liqueur, and you can see that they have quite the selection to choose from.
The Arran Distillery is also a patron of the World Burns Federation and as such has created this Robert Burns Single Malt and a Robert Burns Blended Whisky in honour of Scotland's National Poet. They are the only whisky distillery to be able to use the image and signature of Robert Burns on their packaging.
The Robert Burns Single Malt is a "no age statement" whisky, bottled at 43% ABV with no artificial colouring while the blurb, on the back of the packaging, states that this is "smooth, malty and sweet with a delicious spicy twist on the finish."
Now for my own notes:
Nose - Lovely, light grassy notes giving way to lemon drops and gentle milk chocolate orange. Light vanilla biscuits. Gradually light malt arrives. A peppery spice keeps the nose sharp and warm.
Palate - Initially the palate is one of a youthful heat / chilli but the fresh citrus, from the nose, sits nicely in the background. We also have sweet malt and an evident amount of good quality oak. When held in the mouth until the heat dissipates you are left with a fresh fruit explosion.
Finish - Fresh apple and pear, sweet malt and light warming pepper.
All in all this is probably one of the better malts in my collection, taking into account how much it cost. Undeniably young but has bags of quality from the spirit, and also from casks used, to back up my first impression that this indeed was a great introduction to the ever increasing reputation of Arran Distillery.
Until next time,
Slainte.
SI
Which shop? I called into the Vineyard without success today.
ReplyDeleteApologies, I'm only seeing this now, obviously too late but it was in Makro.
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