Arran Royal Island Blend 30 Years Old (40%, Isle of Arran Distillers, 2014)

• Blended malt scotch whisky
• 40% ABV, £120-£150 for 70cl
• Score: 91/100

What they say:

A blend of Highland and Islay single malts all over 30 Years Old, produced exclusively for the Japanese market by Isle of Arran distillers.

What I say:

Occasionally a few of these turn up at auction here in the UK, again I was lucky enough to sample this thanks to Adam.

Colour:

Dark russet/copper (17/20)

Nose:

Leather, chocolate, cocoa, TCP, medicinal, walnut, brazil nut, oily, nutty, iodine, toffee, treacle, tobacco, cigar boxes, earthy peat smoke

Taste:

Savoury, meaty, nutty, full-bodied, sherried fruits, dates, figs, raisin, walnut and brazil nut, tobacco leaf, dark chocolate, peaty and salty tang (salt caramel), toffee oak.

Finish:

Long, treacle, nutty, dark chocolate with sea salt and caramel, wisps of earthy peat smoke

Overall:

I must admit I had hold of this sample for far longer than I should have. I couldn’t believe just how good this blend is. Knowing little of the provenance (I often like to taste drams as blind as possible to prevent preconceptions!) I was blown away by the sheer power and quality and also beautiful balance of the Sherry-influence and deep yet gentle peat influence that had been expertly blended in this expression. A shame this isn’t more readily available and fetches upwards of £150 at auction these days.