A single cask bottled especially for British Columbia; single cask Arran’s are always of interest and this one is of no exception. The undiluted nose is very fruity and spicy along with some pepper and loads of malt and unsurprisingly some prickle on the nose from the alcohol. The fruit after a few minutes is very deep and thick and is very good; this is an exceptional nose and is very pleasant. After a few minutes in the glass the fruit opens up and is more distinct; oranges and lemons. With the addition of water the malt is the prominent characteristic along strong wood notes and more fruit, even some gentle hints of leather. The undiluted taste is both strong, and chocolaty along with fruit, leather, sweetness and dry cedar wood notes, very, very nice. The mouth feel is quite syrupy and reminiscent of cream soda; quite different from many other sherry casks. With water it is much more docile and sweet; mild cedar/tobacco and sweetness all very well balanced and a much better way to enjoy this dram over the course of an evening. The finish is malty, and strong with the afore mentioned fruit and leather along with some slight hints of raw cured tobacco and then a tremendous crash of the malt which comes rolling back in crystal clear and backed by some really good bitter chocolate.

What an enjoyable dram; well done Isle of Arran Distillery. If you want to be slapped around the mouth try it neat, you won’t regret it.

C$110

Score 89 Points

Visit Isle of Arran Distillery at www.arranwhisky.com/