Arran 1996/2015 Single Malts of Scotland

The people at Arran distillery just seems to be doing thing right, don’t they? The majority of their core range is very well appreciated, and there are true gems among their official single cask releases (of which there are a lot). Outside of the official releases, there are also occasional independent releases. Today I review one of them, bottled by Speciality Drinks under their Single Malts of Scotland-label. It has matured for over 18 years in a sherry puncheon.

Arran 1996/2015 (50,5%, Single Malts of Scotland, C#896928) 

Nose: Fresh pine needles and tree bark, immediately followed by tropical fruit like peaches and nectarines. It is lovely subtle, but also has a thick sweet and syrupy edge.
Taste: Star anise and cloves, with thick molasses and dried berries. Polished leather, dusty books. The sherry influence is in great balance with the spirit.
Finish: Sweet cherries, pears, apple juice.

Rating: 90

Balance is the keyword here. Everything just seems to work and the flavors and aromas are really well integrated. Oh yeah, I like this a lot 😀

Sample provided by Speciality Drinks.