Arran Machrie Moor Cask Strength 5th Edition (2018 Release)

Nose: Peaty but not overwhelmingly so, sweet, fresh fruits (pears, banana, or maybe apples), citrus notes, sea air, slightly buttery, almondy, vanilla, honey, and a little spicy. Palate: Salty, vanilla, spicy, sweet, citrusy, buttery, marzipan (perhaps), slightly bitter, oily, fruity, and alcohol warmth. The peat smoke is noticeable but not too strong, as this whisky only has 20 ppm. Finish: Medium to long, sweet, spicy, and pleasant. A hint of oak tannin bitterness remains, along with subtle smoke. Overall impressions: Good whisky, flavorful with nice tasting notes, but the alcohol is present in every aspect (it is cask strength, after all), even if it's not excessively unpleasant. The price is a bit high, but since the Isle of Arran is very isolated, it somewhat justifies the bottle's cost. It's a good cask strength but not very complex. For those who don't like too much intensity, I suggest a teaspoon of water in the glass to mellow this whisky. If you, like me, are not a fan of this technique, drinking a glass of water before tasting can be your best ally.

The initial aroma is quite disappointing, with notes of grass, lime, apple, and a rather faint trace of peat. Upon tasting, the 56% alcohol punch is significant. Once that subsides, the flavor is delightful, presenting a fresh fruity palate with floral undertones. The peat becomes more apparent but isn't overwhelming; it's well-balanced.

Complex with deep notes of toasted marshmallows, bananas, and smoke, and a rich aroma with lighter peat allowing for more subtle flavors to emerge. Adding water brings out brine in both the aroma and palate. A fantastic dram.

A good balance of peat and other notes. The peat complements without overwhelming.