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Isle of Arran 1996/2012 (51.1%, OB, Premium Cask Selection, Sherry, C#1979, 219 Bts., D’11/12/96, B’25/04/12) 

A single sherry cask from the new Premium Cask Selection series and has just arrived in the US market. On the nose there is a blast of sweet spice and some vegetal earthiness that quickly transforms into lots of welcome sherry notes, very much first class in nature. There’s also some chocolate and the aforementioned spice notes. And sherry. Richness like consommé with a dash of sherry but with some good spiciness added in. Deluxe. The taste is some what subtle despite the level of alcohol and there is a really good dryness along with the chocolate, a little coffee grounds and the sherry malt combination.  This is really quite sensational and it is so nice to come across a sherry cask of such quality. The finish is warming, long and filled with various fall and winter spices, tobacco (unlit of course) and the ever present characteristic Isle of Arran malt.

A real treat, find one if you are able.

$110

Score 90 points