Arran 21 Years Old 1996 The Single Cask (52.1%, Claxton’s, Sherry Puncheon #1843-939, 609 Bottles, 2018)

Whisky Review

• ABV: 52.1%
• Age: 21 Years Old
• Bottling: Claxton’s, The Single Cask, Sherry Puncheon #1843-939, 609 Bottles
• Category: Island single malt scotch whisky
• Cost: £94.98
• Origin: Arran Distillery
• Vintage: 1996

What they say

A Claxton’s bottling of 21 year old Arran single malt, drawn from a single sherry puncheon which was laid down back in August 1996. 609 bottles were produced, presented at cask strength.

Official tasting notes:

Nose: Characteristic Arran fruitiness (think pineapple and grapefruit), playing well with raisin and chocolate notes from the cask.

Palate: Cloudy lemonade, sandalwood, sultana, gingerbread and stroopwafel.

Finish: Enjoyably malty, with hints of candied ginger lasting.

What I say

Well well it really has been some time since I was regularly sampling Arran whisky – or more correctly whisky from Lochranza distillery. Now there are two distilelries on Arran – both owned by the same company – they have distinguished them into Lochranza and Lagg distilleries. I think the official Arran 25 is out about now – here is a couple of slightly older (release not age) expressions. The first is this 21 year old bottled by Claxton’s.

My tasting notes:

• Appearance: Dark orange gold (11/20), medium-fine tears and medium legs.
• Nose: Sweet and clean, honey and fruit, pear drops, apple and pear juice, some citrus, lemon, lime, grapefruit, peach, nectarine, soft biscuity cereals, with water toffee and orange.
• Taste: Medium-full bodied, warming and spicy, rich fruits, peach compote, gingerbread, malty barley, oak wood spices, cinnamon, linseed oil, apple pie, with water, softer honeyed fruits and Terry’s chocolate orange.
• Finish: Long, sweet, vaporous, drying spices, cracked black pepper.

Overall

Takes a drop of water well, still some dry peppery spices present but deliciously sweet and fruity throughout this one.

Score 86/100

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