Arran 1996

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 Islay Mist

Islay Mist 8 Y.O (Blend) After trying to make up my mind on some single malts for the colder temps, I noticed some talk about a blend in the process. Not exactly what I was looking for at the moment, but with that said.. the price was reasonable at $27 on sale, so hell, why not! A very simple bottle, no excess packaging (hint hint Glenvilet 12,...

Score 68/100

Arran 14 Year Old

Lots of vanilla on the nose with some fruity apricot and grass. Taste is smooth and sweet, mouthfeel is light and slightly slick with oil. Apricot stands out the most, lots of apricot, with some vanilla and lastly a nice sea spray. It reminds me of walking out on an old dock with sea mist spraying my face while eating an apricot. Finish is wet and...

Score 98/100

Arran 7 Year Old ‘Lochranza’ 1996 Blackadder Raw Cask

This independent Arran, named Lochranza after the place where the distillery was built, contains some cask residue, a gimmick that Robin Tucek uses in his infamous Blackadder Raw Cask series. This one was bottled over a decade ago and matured for seven years. At first, this Arran seems to stink. Besides a powerful caramelly scent, my olfactory...

Score 83/100