The Isle of Arran, established in 1995, passed another milestone with the introduction of their 12 year old single malt bottled at 46% and will now hold a core position in the range. The nose is quite different from the 10yo and other Arran which are quite biscuity; this is definitely sweeter and more rounded with wine notes interlaced with hints of varnish, vanilla, toffee, pears and banana. Something a little heavier and meaty in the back ground. The taste is sweet and quite strong at first with hints of malt, brown sugar, pears, fruit drops and a warming brandy like character. Very nice, ‘moreish’. Thicker in the mouth and different from the 10yo, some later moments of spice and oak. The finish is long and the fruit is once again in the fore ground. After this first impression a hint of bitterness, dark orange scented chocolate jumps out.  Oily, malty, oaky. Some hints of a sherried Macallan or even Aberlour a’bunadh. All in all not the 10yo but still a worthy dram, a step in the right direction; a non identical twin. Improves with the addition of a little water.

Non chill filtered and as the back label declares “Due to non-chill filtration, this whisky may turn cloudy when exposed to low temperatures. This is perfectly normal. The absence of chill filtration in this does result in a more full-bodied and flavoursome single malt.”

Cost C$63

Score 85 Points

Visit http://www.arranwhisky.com/ for further information………