Arran 10 Years Old

Whisky Review

• Isle of Arran Distillers
• 46% ABV
• £31.90

What they say:

The classic expression of Arran – our fresh and unique island style is captured beautifully in our 10 Year Old Single Malt. First released in 2006, this is the flagship Single Malt of our distillery and one that we were very proud to launch to great acclaim. It is without doubt a ‘must have’ in the collection of all Single Malt Whisky enthusiasts.

Colour:

Ripe Golden Barley

Nose:

The initial rush of rich vanilla sweetness gives way to the fruits of slow distillation – kiwi, banana, cantaloupe melon – with just a dusting of cocoa powder. It is undoubtedly complex and yet the aromas are in complete harmony with the malt.

Palate:

A touch of cinnamon adds a spicy edge to the soft and sweet texture which captivates the palate. The classic Arran citrus notes have rounded with age and reveal new depths of character against a background of sweet oak.

Finish:

It drifts over the tongue like golden syrup and fades ever so slowly to tempt another sip. This is a beautifully made whisky.

What I say:

Moving on and up from the Lochranza reserve we have the youngest Arran age statement whisky the 10 Years Old, released in 2006 almost precisely 10 years after they opened and starting distilling at the Arran distillery.

Colour:

Rich straw gold (7/20), numerous slow-moving medium-sized tears with medium-fine trails a little oily?

Nose:

Rich cereal and honey, almost oaty, maize/cornflake and malted barley, reminds me of golden syrup flapjacks and honey-nut cornflakes, fruity apple, plum, pear and peach  orchard fruits, a little heather blossom to the honey notes, some milk chocolate, more chewy cereal aromas accompanied by coconut and vanilla essence

Taste:

Rich, oily and buttery in texture, more chewy cereal barley and malt, toffee and thick caramel add to the sugary sweet honey flavours, fruity and a touch of zest  with apple, plum and peach, some citrus lemon juice on fresh hot pancakes becomes more  cereal like digestive biscuits

Finish:

Medium-short, more chewy and malty cereal barley becomes sweet and bitter

Overall:

We found this one very rich and mealy, especially for a 10 Year Old whisky, testament to Arran’s unwavering non-chillfiltration and also delivery at 46% ABV, whereas many other staple 10 year old offerings are diluted to 43% or even 40% in this introductory category. The result is a full-bodied whisky that gives the impression of chewing on freshly malted cereal barley, this one is very moreish and Arran distillery’s output continues to impress us.

Score: 84/100

Available from Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange