Arran 10 Year Old

Mellow, Sweet Fruity
2023-07-02

Arran Distillery was established on the Isle of Arran in the mid 90's. Some of the casks were stored at Springbank until the recent expansion of the warehouses. The casks are now on site and a second distillery (Lagg) has been built. Today we taste the 10 year old Core Range bottling.

Smell

The nose is flattering and complex. Strong vanilla from ex-bourbon casks is at the forefront. This is joined by honey, pear and sweet, fruity lemon juice. The aroma develops into an almost waxy sensation on the nose. We find ripe peaches and grated coconut. In the background there is a slight herbal note, reminiscent of green tea.

Taste

On the palate, Arran 10 is a great combination of full-bodied, oily and velvety. Fresh fruit aromas of mango and pineapple join the coconut note we picked up on the nose. The malt is fresh and cereal-like, like a bowl of muesli. Again, the vanilla is very prominent.

Finish

There is a wonderful oak kick on the finish. A slight crispness lingers on the palate in the medium-long finish, accompanied by intense, slightly bitter lemon zest.

Thoughts

Wow - where is the hype? Arran 10 should be the prototype of a core-range bottling. Natural color, non chill-filtered and suitable drinking strength at a more than fair price. This inspiring lemon smoothie gets a clear recommendation from us for beginners and connoisseurs alike.

Rating: 85/100 - Excellent (Marcel: 87 | Sascha: 82)

Value for Money: 5/5 - Very Good

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Preview Image Source: The Whisky Exchange