Arran 1996 24 Year Old - Ralph Steadman X Cask 88
"The application of intense heat to a complex chemical concoction is an indispensable process essential to whisky making. A critical moment in its history in Scotland was the introduction of spirit safes, a physical lock to protect against widespread excise avoidance."
Nose
The first impression? Heavy and sweet - but by no means bold. It is a nose that needs space and deserves respect. A dense sherry flavour fills the room, dominated by sultanas and dates. Underneath lies a delicate, almost melancholic fruitiness: candied red apple, morello cherries, a hint of forest honey. Leather brings substance, grounding, history. This is not a beginner's whisky - but something with depth, with time.
Taste
At first sip, there is a creamy softness, almost buttery. And then - a brief moment of surprise: the mouthfeel is somewhat thinner than expected. Not a disadvantage, but a surprise. What follows is a quiet blossoming: a spicy, almost crisp texture, then a lovely fruity-sweet phase. Sultanas, dates again, then a delicate hint of wineiness - as if you were thinking of dark port for a moment. And then comes the unexpected: salted caramel. Not loud, but there. Like a final bar in an almost fading melody.
Finish
The finish is long. Not in volume, but in resonance. The oak appears late, but firmly. Spice builds up - fine notes of gingerbread, speculoos, a wintery warmth. No smoke, no spiciness. Instead: structure, memory, reverberation.
Thoughts
This whisky does not require a stage - it builds one for itself. It doesn't need show effects - it convinces with inwardness.
What makes Arran special is not its strength. It is its coherence. Its balance. The way in which flavours and impressions weave themselves into a sensory story. If you are looking for an extroverted tasting sensation, you may underestimate it. But those who try to understand it will be rewarded. Its flavour density is phenomenal, precisely because it does not overflow, but rather unfolds - with patience, with trust.
It is a whisky that takes you on a journey. On a journey through time, craftsmanship, art - and back into your own consciousness.
Rating: 90/100 - World Class (Marcel: 91 | Sascha: 89)
Preview Image Source: Cask 88
Further Information
Cask Type: Oloroso HogsheadCask Number: 96/1556
FAQ: The Most Common Questions
❓ What makes the Ralph Steadman Collection so special?
👉 The Ralph Steadman Collection from Cask 88 combines high-quality, matured Scotch whisky with art. Each bottle features hand-drawn artwork by the legendary artist Ralph Steadman. The Arran 1996 focuses specifically on the distillation process and the historic introduction of the spirit safe in Scotch whisky production. It is not only a means of enjoyment, but also a collector's item for art and whisky lovers.
❓ What is a spirit safe and why is it so important for whisky production?
👉 Ein Spirit Safe ist ein verschließbarer Glaskasten mit Messinstrumenten, der während der Destillation verwendet wird. Ralph Steadmans Artwork thematisiert dessen historische Einführung in Schottland. Der Spirit Safe ermöglicht es dem Brennmeister, den Alkoholgehalt und die Qualität des Destillats zu überwachen und zu entscheiden, welche Teile des Destillationslaufs verwendet werden - ohne direkten Kontakt zum Alkohol zu haben. Ursprünglich wurde er eingeführt, um Steuerhinterziehung zu verhindern, da die Brennerei-Arbeiter so nicht heimlich Whisky abzweigen konnten. Heute ist er ein unverzichtbares Werkzeug für Qualitätskontrolle und Präzision bei der Whiskyherstellung.
❓ Which maturation and barrel ageing characterises the taste of Arran 1996?
👉 The 24-year-old Arran shows clear sherry influences that indicate maturation in former sherry casks. The intense notes of sultanas, dates and the dark fruitiness result from the interaction of the whisky with the residues of sweet sherry wines in the wood.