Arran 17 Years Old 1996 (54%, Whiskybroker, Refill HH #1482, 272 Bottles, 2015)

Whisky Review

• Arran Distillery
• Whiskybroker
• Cask 1482 refill hogshead
• 54% ABV
• £40.66
• Score: 85/100

What they say:

Distilled at the Isle of Arran distillery on 4th October 1996, this has been matured for a full 17 years in a refill hogshead #1482 before bottling on the 6th March 2014. This cask produced 272 bottles at outturn at a cask strength of 54% ABV.

What I say:

Right-hand bottle in above picture, this 17 year old Arran was matured in a refill hogshead and released early in 2014 by Whiskybroker

Colour:

Autumnal Gold (11/20)

Nose:

Red berry fruits, tannic suede leather, cocoa-dusted almonds, musty old bookshop, soapy and floral lavender, vanilla and coconut cream, cocoa butter, draff and Weetabix cereals

Taste:

Waxy in mouthfeel, furniture polish, beeswax, walnut, spiced cinnamon buns, nutmeg on vanilla custard flan, Danish pastries, a little salted meat and smoked bbq pork ribs

Finish:

Long, drying and savoury, spiced bbq meats with a savoury honey glaze

Overall:

This one had me guessing Sherry cask all over. With the fruit, tannin, leather and chocolate  – I now realise this is core Arran malt signatures mixed with a particularly active refill hogshead. Very enjoyable!