Arran 25 Years Release 2020
Since 1995, a young distillery has been maturing on the Isle of Arran, which is now one of Scotland's most exciting destinations. This 25-years single malt represents not only a quarter of a century of cask ageing, but also the entire life story of a distillery that is almost as old as its product.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The first nosing surprises with an unconventional composition. Fresh leather meets solid peach notes, a combination you don't find in your glass every day. Then the next twist: gummy bears. Yes, floral, fruit jelly-like nuances are indeed reminiscent of childhood. But before you lose yourself in nostalgic memories, nutmeg comes to the fore and directs the orchestra into distinctly spicier realms. The oak is excitingly integrated, not dominant, but as a structuring force in the background. This nose is simply different, it doesn't follow any familiar pattern, it composes its own melody.
Palate
The peach dominance continues on the palate, this time velvety and ripe, as if you had bitten into a fully ripe fruit straight from the tree. Light berry undertones join in, reminiscent of raspberries or red currants, lending the sweet peach a pleasant freshness. The oak is subtle, weaving fine tannins through the fruitiness without ever becoming intrusive. Honey drips through the composition, connecting the individual elements into a harmonious whole. The fruity sweet profile is accentuated by a slightly perfumed note reminiscent of rose petals or jasmine.
Finish
The finish is medium-long and develops from the fruitiness on the palate into an increasingly dry, spicy direction. The oak, which previously acted discreetly in the background, now takes the lead. Spicy oak tannins coat the tongue, accompanied by the characteristic pungency of black pepper. The nutmeg, already present on the nose, returns and gives the finish a warming, multi-layered complexity.
Thoughts
Marcel 86/100
A whisky that surprises with its playful composition of peach and nutmeg, yet at times feels almost too delicate to fully convince. The Arran 25 brings joy to the glass, even if it doesn’t always take a clear stance – a charming, multifaceted enjoyment with its quirks and edges.
Sascha 86/100
Structurally well balanced, this 25-years Arran reveals a complex maturation that harmoniously blends fruity and spicy notes. Still, it lacks a definitive focus in its overall balance, causing the character to seem somewhat diffuse at times.
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How does the 25-year maturation influence the taste of the Arran 25 Years Release 2020?
The 25-year aging imparts a complex depth to the whisky, where ripe peach and berry aromas harmonize with subtle oak tannins and spicy notes like nutmeg and black pepper. The oak provides structure without being overpowering.
What distinguishes the Arran 25 Years Release 2020 compared to younger bottlings from the distillery?
Unlike younger releases, the 25-years displays remarkable complexity with unusual aromas such as fresh leather and gummy bears on the nose. The extended maturation also brings a balanced interplay between fruity sweetness and spicy, dry notes in the finish.
How should one best enjoy the Arran 25 Years Release 2020 to fully experience its aromas?
The whisky reveals its complex aromas best at room temperature in a tulip-shaped glass. A few drops of water can help highlight the floral and fruity notes without overshadowing the delicate oak spice.