A Tantalizing Scotch from the Isle of Arran at an Unbeatable Price
Arran “The Bothy” Quarter Cask Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $100) ($79.99)
“The Bothy is a must-buy for anyone who loves a malt-forward whisky.”
— Andrew Whiteley, K&L NorCal Spirits Buyer

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Raised in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels for seven years and the finest American oak quarter casks for an additional two years, the Arran “The Bothy” is among the purest expressions of malt we’ve encountered in a long time. As our NorCal spirits buyer, Andrew Whiteley, writes: “The malt is so crystal clear that it’s like walking through a barley field after a fresh rain.” The use of quarter barrels, a fairly uncommon practice, allows for greater contact between the whisky and oak, and a faster, more intense maturation. The result is an ethereal single malt that will delight the connoisseur and casual drinker alike.Priced elsewhere at $100, we secured a special discount that allows us to offer it at a very affordable $79.99—the lowest price in the market. Bottled at cask strength, it is a potent dram, but as with all of the single malts from Arran, it shows remarkable balance and poise. If you’re a fan of malt-driven single whiskies, you will do well by adding “The Bothy” to your collection.

Arran “The Bothy” Quarter Cask Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $100) ($79.99)

Independently owned since its inception in 1995, the folks at Arran have been quietly making some of the very best island distilled whisky in Scotland for 25 years. Their water source is 100% rainwater coming from Loch Na Davie high above the distillery. The clean water combined with 100% concerto malt and a careful distillation is the essence of Arran – it’s fresh, barley forward and shows flavors heavy with citrus, stone fruit, and vanilla pudding. They never color or chill filter any of their whiskies choosing instead to retain all of the natural beauty they worked so hard to capture. The first fill bourbon casks of The Bothy are further enhanced by a 2 year finishing in quarter cask made of American oak. The smaller casks would have been typical of the whiskies being transported to and from the island in the 18th and 19th centuries as they are much easier to move around. Today, Arran has brought this tradition back to the island.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 15, 2020

The glorious combination of pure, clean, unadulterated Concerto malt and first fill bourbon is unmistakable. The malt is so crystal clear that it’s like walking through a barley field after a fresh rain. It’s bright, sweet and cereal driven. Fresh baked bread intermingles with the sweeter pastries at the shop—marzipan, apple turnover, baklava and custard tarts. A finish in quarter casks brings out a touch more woody notes. Fresh cedar sawdust, vanilla, and a gentle pull of tannin on the finish livens the whole drinking experience up. It’s a light and bright malt at cask strength—a wonderfully mellow 53.2%. If you do choose to add water you’ll unlock more stone fruit notes and a rounder and very supple mouth feel. One of Scotland’s hidden gems, the independent Arran distillery has quietly produced some of the very best malts since its opening in 1995. The Bothy is a must-buy for anyone who loves a malt-forward whisky.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 01, 2020

The Arran is a really excellent distillery and each release seems to get better and better. This 3rd batch of the Bothy is the best we’ve had and so we snagged a bit of the old stock before the new importer took over. Here we’ve got the use of new American oak quarter casks, which if not done with restraint could be a problem in my view. Luckily Arran is extremely careful and knows that each batch must be just right in order to keep building their reputation. The color is deep gold. The nose is full of fresh oak, but in a really lively and not obtrusive way. It’s got some citrus peel—tangerines and Seville—plus plenty of vanilla and a bit of coconut. On the palate the wood takes a back seat, thankfully, and lets the malt come through, offering up some nice caramel candy, toasted cereal and hints of mocha. With water we really start to open up, bringing some fresh spices and sweet herbs on the nose. These play nicely with the continued orange peel notes and a bit more sweetness now. On the palate it’s more viscous now and loses its roasted quality in favor of more fruit and spice. A totally delicious example of how to properly use new oak in single malt production.