Arran Lochranza Reserve

The name of this malt caught my attention at my go-to liquor store. Amidst the overwhelming selection, the name "Lochranza" suggested a European origin, perhaps Italian, which, along with the reasonable cost, influenced my purchase. Upon returning home, I discovered "Lochranza" is indeed a place, the home of the Arran distillery. My initial taste offered vibrant spice and citrus. Subsequent sips revealed notes of white grapes and sweet, dry cornflakes. The finish had a notable warmth and a subtle saltiness, akin to Old Pulteney 12, but drier and less smooth. The ethanol's tingle detracted from the palate, preventing it from being as vibrant as anticipated. It remains a bit expensive for what it offers; I wouldn't recommend it if it exceeds $40. Nevertheless, it's enjoyable enough for casual drinking during a game or movie. Later, after an Old Fashioned, this tasted remarkably like liquid butterscotch.

This whisky's aroma is of light, fragrant cereal with a biscuit-like quality and vanilla notes, reminiscent of vanilla macaroons. It also has mild citrus, apple, and a faint hint of maritime brine. The palate begins with a bright, sweet cereal flavor that develops into dry maltiness, overall presenting a lean, bright sweetness with elegant spicy notes emerging. The texture is pleasant but not particularly remarkable. The finish is medium to short, with cereal notes fading into a slightly briny, spiced aftertaste. The whisky has a clean, crisp dry base with sweet top notes and is primarily composed of 7-8 year old spirit matured in refill bourbon casks. It's a light, refreshing malt, good for summer and likely excellent in a Japanese highball. Its main drawback is the price, where it is overshadowed by more characterful single malts. My assessment remains unchanged from previous reviews.

I'd heard favorable commentary regarding Araan and encountered what seems to be their introductory single malt. It might have been discontinued and replaced by the Barrel Reserve Single Malt, but I'm not certain. The aroma offers abundant gentle fruits, such as citrus and pear, with a subtle floral essence, malt, and vanilla. The taste is sugary, succulent, and smooth, featuring more lemon, malt, vanilla, a hint of saltiness, and a touch of nuttiness. There's a faint sharpness, potentially due to its youth, but it doesn't detract from the experience. The conclusion is moderately lengthy, beginning with a quick zest that softens into a lasting mix of citrus and vanilla. A thoroughly enjoyable single malt. I'm eager to sample their older, age-stated expressions to observe the effect of extended maturation.

Sweet with lemon notes and a light body. A close acquaintance suggested this bottle as a way to start with Scotch. I occasionally return to it to check my evolving thoughts. When I first tried it, it was a bit harsh, but now I prefer smoky flavors, so this comes across as mellow and simple to enjoy. An excellent choice for introducing someone to Scotch, and a nice method to "set" my taste buds before tackling more intricate spirits during a tasting.

Another quality Arran malt. It shares many characteristics with the 10 year, featuring rich, fruity maltiness. Hints of salt and zesty wood add variation. It is somewhat sharp, and the finish is brief. Nonetheless, it's very enjoyable with a superb mouthfeel and deep flavor. I would happily buy it again. It's interesting that I've rated the 14, 10, and this one closely due to price adjustments. This is the least expensive of them but also the most accessible if you want to explore what Arran offers.......85/100

On the nose: dry and bitter, nuts, almonds, spices, milk chocolate, earthy and slightly floral, also a cognac-type touch On the palate: salty and slightly bitter, nuts, woody, medicinal note The finish is medium, bitter, metallic and lacks flavor Personal note: 82/100 Nice entry-level NAS but lacks complexity, especially on the palate. That said, this whisky is a very good value for money.