Arran 14 Year (2010 Release)

The initial impression is clean barley malt and fragrant fruit. Notes of peaches, mango, honeydew melon, baked apples, vanilla, ginger syrup, and a whisper of mint are present, though the scents are more mellow than in less aged Arran expressions. It feels as though they've been cooked down together, forming a complex sweet sauce or glaze. A cooked grape aroma, reminiscent of cognac or armagnac, also emerges, likely from the sherry casks. It begins with a very sweet, creamy taste, leading into a rich, fruity, and full-bodied development. Flavors of crème brûlée and malt syrup, stewed fruits (apricots, peaches, nectarines, and pears), orange conserve, hazelnut, and toasted almonds are detected. The texture is remarkably oily and smooth. It presents the richest and fruitiest Arran profile experienced, with the only potential drawback being a tendency towards being overly sweet after a while. Fortunately, this is balanced by a touch of oaky tannin and some warming spice. Finishes medium to long, with sweet malt that fades into a slightly dry aftertaste featuring dry sherry, tannic notes, some nutmeg, and salt. This particular Arran expression incorporates all the notable qualities of its younger counterparts, but amplified, more mellow, sweeter, and richer. The distillery's signature ginger and white pepper spice is significantly subdued, and the sweet fruity notes are thick and luscious. Adding water further broadens the texture and is an interesting, though not essential, addition. My last encounter with this bottling was an older batch that had a more herbal character. That earlier review is included below. "Very Good": 86/100 (4 stars) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Originally reviewed December 2, 2017 Nose: A very fresh cereal scent with grapefruit, barley sugar, and a soft hint of armagnac. Light floral touches are present, alongside many herbal and grassy notes—mint, crushed camellia leaves, sencha, and freshly chopped ginger. As the aroma develops, bush orchid, honeydew melon, and eucalyptus become apparent. A hint of oak is in the background, along with a subtle whisper of brine that only emerges after a few sips. An intriguingly distinct nose—floral, but not heavy or sweet at all—perhaps best described as "dry grassy floral." Palate: A citrus-sweet and slightly spicy start develops into a mouth-filling experience rich with delightful cereal and light fruit flavors. Milk chocolate, malt, and stewed fruits are present, but the overall impression is light. Flavors of rinsed preserved lemons and hazelnuts are also noted. Finish: Medium length, transitioning into a satisfyingly salty conclusion. Some fruity and nutty flavors linger. This is a very well-balanced, creamy malt with a subtle yet confident character, and for me, the nose is the most remarkable aspect. Truly excellent, it rewards patience and attention. Water is not required, but a drop or two enhances the neat character. Adding a whole teaspoon alters the character more noticeably, but positively. The nose becomes rounder and richer, and the oak moves forward from its background supporting role. On the palate, water softens and amplifies both the sweet and spicy notes, and in the finish, it redefines the saltiness, creating a salt-sweet profile with barley sugar as the final flavor. An overall class act, deserving of a solid 4 stars. This is not a malt to be rushed, nor an everyday pour—it's one to contemplate while enjoying good music. "Very Good": 86/100 (4 stars) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Following the Arran 10, this seemed like the natural next step in my Arran exploration. The 10 was a clean, fruity Island malt with a Highland character. I'm anticipating something similar but with increased richness and depth. Let's see. Nose: Immediate green apple, pear, and apricot aromas. Gentle honey, vanilla, malt, toffee, and butterscotch follow. Some toasted almond and walnut add a more substantial feel. Sugar cookie and ginger snap notes emerge. Cantaloupe appears. Oak, cinnamon, and white pepper spice are present. Significant oak and some cinnamon. Palate: Smooth plum with some grape and raisin. More green apple, pear, and apricot. Similar vanilla, toffee, and malt notes. Additionally, some orange and lemon citrus. Peach sweet tea. Walnut and toasted almond. A pleasant honeydew note. Pineapple and coconut. Sugar cookie. Some peanut butter, and it's worth noting this is a very viscous, chewy whisky. Finish: Continues with orchard fruit: green apple, pear, and apricot. Sugar cookie, honey, vanilla, toffee, peanut butter. Toasted almond and walnut. Orange and pineapple. Oak. More orange and lemon citrus. Cinnamon, white pepper, clove, and nutmeg round it out. Moderately long. This is pretty much what I expected—and as good as I could have hoped. At its core, this presents as a more aged version of the 10-Year in terms of flavor, which makes sense as that's what it is. But the point holds. This takes the essence of the flagship 10 and enhances it to be more robust and well-rounded. It's an outstanding malt. And for only $80, it's definitely worth the cost. I had this rated at a 4/5 before considering value, which earned this one an extra quarter star. It's a real shame this has been discontinued. It's excellent stuff. If this sounds even a little appealing, I'd suggest grabbing it immediately because it will satisfy.

This amber-colored, fine malt offers notes of candy apple, mild spice, and layers of milk chocolate. The palate enjoys the richness of the fruit and candy, while hints of brine and salt evoke the nearby sea. It concludes luxuriously, allowing you to savor the complexity of this malt. It's the ideal dram for those seeking an island flavor without smoke or peat. Club Tasting 9/24/20 KM

Fresh notes of grape, strawberry, and melon with Crème brûlée. You detect burnt sugar, light to medium saltiness, and some vegetal notes. There's some heat, black pepper, and bitterness in the finish, but it's at 46%. I'm unsure if I'd purchase a bottle again but would try it occasionally.

Lingering rich finish. It's smooth, with detectable fruits complemented by caramel. (This review is my first attempt, and I feel it's too close to the actual product description). The finest I've sampled so far.

The initial taste is strong alcohol, but it finishes with a very fine taste and flavor.