THREE TIMES A WINNER FOR ISLE OF ARRAN DISTILLERY WITH 2011 WHISKY BIBLE AWARD

Scottish whisky producer, Isle of Arran Distillery, has won its third Whisky Bible Award for the Arran Peacock malt.

The world’s leading whisky guide named the 1996 whisky the ‘Best Single Malt Scotch’ in the 11-15 years category.

Jim Murray, influential whisky writer and judge of the awards, said: “The Peacock stood out head and shoulders above others in its category.

“I particularly enjoyed the complexity of this malt and will undoubtedly be going back to discover more.

“Arran at its best; outstanding!”

The Peacock, the first in a new series from the distiller called ‘Icons of Arran’, was named after the resident peacock which roams the grounds of the distillery. It was made available in a limited edition of 6,000 bottles.

James MacTaggart, Master Distiller at the Isle of Arran who created the malt, said: “We are very pleased with the success The Peacock has enjoyed amongst whisky drinkers.

“To get this kind of recognition for the malt from a renowned whisky enthusiast such as Jim Murray is a great compliment.”

MacTaggart used 13 ex-bourbon barrels and 7 ex-sherry hogsheads for the 1996 distillation, which was aged for 12 years. This resulted in a drink with an aroma of sweet oak and honey as well as hints of coconut and candy.

To the taste, Arran Peacock is crisp and malty with a slight nuttiness and a creamy sweetness to the finish.

This year, the distiller released the second edition of the Icons of Arran series, the Arran Malt Rowan Tree – a decadent tipple named after the equally flamboyant Scottish Rowan Trees which surround the distillery.

Previous Whisky Bible winners from the Isle of Arran distillery include ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 in the 2010 awards and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ in 2008 for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish.

The Peacock and other winners will be featured in the 2011 Whisky Bible, published on the 12^th October. The winners were chosen after a tasting of over 1,000 whiskies from around the world.

Notes:

 Jim Murray tasting note:

The Arran Malt 1996 ‘The Peacock’ Icons of Arran bott 2009 (96) n24.5 oh my word: what a shame I have only three or four months to write this book: the degree of complexity will take that time to unravel. Both floral and fruity in almost perfect doses, the white pepper perfectly balances the light saltiness. The big weight is deceptive as the delicate sultana and perry sub plot appears to give more air and space to the overall picture. Outstanding…; t24.5 what a delicate creature this is: the juicy grape appears to be apparent on a couple of levels, sandwiching the honey and hickory bourbon notes between them; f23 long, now with that hint of pear on the nose re-surfacing as the finish nestles somewhere between butterscotch tart and buttered toast; b24 yet again this outstanding distillery delivers the goods: one of the most outstanding malts of the year and certainly one of the most complex. I would not be surprised if this was overlooked by some of you new to whisky: if you have not already discovered the faultless beauty on offer (not a single off note or hint of discord to be had from first to last!!) go back and try again with your palate as clean and unsullied as this magnificent malt demands and deserves. I’ve not yet spoken to the Arran guys about this, but would happily bet my house that this is a sublime mix of top bourbon cask and faultless sherry. As fabulous as this distillery unquestionably is, they will be hard pressed to keep this standard going… 46%^© Jim Murray

Now in its 8^th year, the 2011 Whisky Bible is the biggest edition yet with over 4,500 whiskies tasted, rated and evaluated. This year’s bible features over 1,050 new entries. For further information and/or to purchase the book go to www.whiskybible.com