Arran Machrie Moor 5th Edition (2014 Release)

Score: 15/23. I have no information about this drink. I suspect it's meant to be superior to Arran 10, but I'm unaware of its finish or character. I'm going into this blind! Nose: The scent of smoke and peat is immediate, joined by a touch of salty seaweed. While not intensely peaty, this smells like a spirit with character, unlike Arran 10. I'm already more favorable towards this. The smoke seems slightly more dominant than the peat, but they are well-balanced. They are noticeable but not overpowering. Fruit notes are still present, with the same sultana aroma as Arran 10, plus a hint of orange zest. I wouldn't be surprised if this was simply a peated Arran 10. Tobacco, licorice, a hint of campfire, and BBQ are also detectable. There's salt, grain, and hay, with a slightly barnyard-like quality. It bears a slight resemblance to Springbank 10. Palate: The smoke and peat are present but less intense than anticipated. Seaweed is quite prominent initially, accompanied by a somewhat sweet and bland taste, followed by a peat-driven warmth. It begins with a more neutral smoky flavor, which then gives way to the tobacco notes of the peat. The sweetness could be sultanas, but it's hard to pinpoint. This sweet characteristic is rather underwhelming due to its lack of complexity and richness, though it does offer some balance. There's a simple sugary water-like element. On the malt side, I detect some grain and dried grass, along with salt, and the overall profile is reasonably substantial. It's perhaps a slight step down from the nose, but still enjoyable. It tastes young, with a flavor reminiscent of white grapes. The flavors are quite complex and balanced, albeit a bit light and sweet, which doesn't quite work here as the peat somewhat masks the underlying flavors. There's an astringency, like a squeeze of lemon and grapefruit were added. An underlying fragrant floral vanilla note is present, occasionally a bit distracting, but generally acceptable. Finish: Smoke and peat persist into the finish, with a richness from the smoke contributing a pleasant savoriness that complements the graininess. The peat's tobacco flavor is perhaps a touch too strong, but it's acceptable. Grain and salt are still present to a lesser degree, as is a general sugary sweetness, though it lacks nuance. That floral vanilla note also wafts through intermittently. This represents a significant improvement over Arran 10, though I wouldn't call it an outstanding whisky. It tastes young, and the island and Islay characteristics seem to lightly overlay it, obscuring the finer details. It's also relatively mild for a peated spirit, but milder ones often highlight grain or barrel character, like Amrut Fusion or Hakushu 12. It seems to be attempting to emulate Springbank 10; it's lighter with less character (though perhaps consequently less overtly sweet). It also reminds me of Talisker 10, but Talisker possesses more character. However, Talisker isn't massively superior. Springbank 10, conversely, is massively better. I'm considering a rating of 14 to 16, with 16 being a generous estimate. I'll settle on 15.

I recently found Arran to be something really positively different and very enjoyable. But I also like lightly and medium peated whiskies. So I purchased a bottle of the 7th edition during a monthly sale at my local whisky shop (just two days before it had to close due to COVID-19). Nose: A subtle scent of wooden chimney fire smoke (I'd say this is a medium peated whisky), very direct and not much playing around, very sweet and light fruits, pineapple, grapefruit, fruity trail mix... all in all very delicate with a very well-integrated peat. On a second pass, there's a lot of vanilla. Lots of vanilla in playful harmony with the smoky peat. The only minor drawback is that it isn't very intense or deep and is more on the light side of nosing aromas, but that's not too upsetting given the assumed young age (being a NAS). Palate: First, a welcoming sweetness, quickly becoming oily, citrus, grapefruit juice, and heavily roasted crispy bread, dried plums/prunes, a slight peppery burn, a good amount of smoke that increases with every sip, making this whisky more serious than the first impression, but it remains very delicate in combination with the nose, adding new layers each time. A few drops of water broaden the range and make it more accessible. Finish: Short to medium with a smoky aftertaste - what remains in the end is a vibrant peaty smoke and burned sugar. I'm glad I got a bottle of this one. It didn't disappoint, and even though I was expecting something different, it's definitely a whisky I will happily return to frequently. A very nice surprise and experience.

I've previously discussed the excellent Arran Machrie Moor, Fingal's Cut, heavily peated single sherry cask; now it's time to evaluate its younger sibling, simply named "Machrie Moor," bottled at 46% ABV, which is the primary distinction between the two versions. Machrie Moor is presented in a black bottle that looks like milk, featuring a wolf on the label. On the nose, it begins with a plastic-like scent, reminiscent of a school plastic folder. It also has notes of mint, pineapple, agave, and ashtray. It reminds me of a cactus. You get pineapple juice and pineapple pie. It smells like lotion for sunburned skin. After a few minutes, it has a distinct aroma of donut frosting. It actually smells cool. After a couple of sips, I detected pond water and milk chocolate. On the palate, it starts with vanilla juice and pineapple. There's a pepper explosion and that cactus note again. Is it like a rose with thorns? It has that taste. Milk chocolate is also present. The peat notes emerge in the aftertaste. You get sawdust and mild smoke. Scorched earth, copper, and a salty sensation. It lost some intensity after a few sips. On the third sip, it delivered a full ashy note; incredible! It has been revitalized. In summary, you can always rely on Arran. Each expression offers considerable complexity and tropical flavors, and these "Machrie Moors" also bring peat, which I always appreciate. It's a very solid single malt, earning a score of 88 out of 100.

Quite pleasant. The aroma presents peat and ocean breeze (a gentle Islay style), with a hint of vanilla cream. The taste begins with a vibrant, crisp malt wave, evolving into a decadent, fudgy vanilla character, seasoned with salt and a subtle amount of peat. Intricate, captivating, and delightful.

I really liked this. It requires a significant amount of time in the glass to develop, but once it does, it's a perfectly balanced and quite distinctive dram. The peat plays a supporting role, enhancing the sweetness. It's very different from other Arran expressions I've sampled.

Who let the dogs out?! Woof! I bought this impulsively, feeling apprehensive. Now I regret not being more impulsive then! A lovely peaty vanilla aroma, and some of that carries through to the palate!