Arran Machrie Moor Cask Strength

It's always great to get a bottle unavailable in your area. I previously reviewed the Kilchoman Machir Bay Cask Strength 2020, mentioning a friend from Chicago had sent it for us to share on video calls, and that bottle was fantastic. I also make yearly trips to the beach where local shops carry a few bottles not found elsewhere, so I stock up. In my last tasting, for the Redbreast 21, I noted a friend from Chicago visited, generously bringing that Redbreast 21 and this Machrie More Cask Strength. We had considered the Ardbeg 19 instead of the Redbreast 21, but since he's less keen on peated whisky than I am, we chose Irish. He still thoughtfully packed this one. As an Arran fan, he felt bringing their peated expression was meeting me halfway, and I was very grateful again. The only Arran in my region is the Robert Burn Single Malt, which I own but haven't opened, so I'm unfamiliar with their range. Upon opening this, we both chuckled at the color. It's an intense yellow, initially reminding me of urine after taking a B Complex vitamin. Does aeration affect color? This was only a few days ago, and we were drinking it from teacups in our Airbnb. Pouring it tonight, the color isn't as striking. It looks like a standard gold in my Glen Cairn glass, and the aroma is wonderfully peaty. Oh, right! Mentioning the urine yellow might have put you off, but this is a really good whisky. The peat combines with sweetness on the nose, dancing, twirling in a waltz. It's peat with honey, peaches, and apples, mingling well between glasses of Redbreast, almost complementing it, which is unusual, shifting between Irish whiskey and scotch so smoothly. After some time in the glass, the peat becomes secondary, softened by the fruitiness. On the palate, it strongly resembles what I'd imagine Loch Lomond 12 might taste like at cask strength, like diving into a peach orchard leaf fire in late autumn with a peppery, smoky, long finish that lasts until the next sip returns the fruit. So, to summarize, my friend has departed; he left two days ago, and we had a wonderful time. The concert was good, despite my needing a break due to feeling claustrophobic after five songs. The food was excellent, especially the breakfast place, K'Far. But the true highlights were the whiskies we enjoyed during those few days. The Redbreast 21 was memorable, as was the Redbreast Cask Strength. And this Machrie Moor he left me with? It's the lasting memory of that time away from work and responsibilities. Now, it's back to reality, but at least I have a dram of this to keep me company and ease the transition.

The aroma is lemony vanilla and banana. The peat is noticeable as you approach the glass but stays somewhat in the background. The taste delivers the tropical fruits that Arran is recognized for: banana, pineapple, coconut. Intense vanilla sweetness – likely from ex-bourbon casks. The peat is more pronounced on the palate than in the aroma. I'm not detecting medicinal notes like Islay peat, but rather a smokier, saltier/brinier character. The finish is rather brief for a peated spirit, but does exhibit some oak and spice, with a lingering vanilla smokiness. I genuinely enjoy this, but I wish I had received a full bottle. Unfortunately, it arrived from a vendor with a significant leak, and regrettably, that vendor seems to have no customer service. They have not replied to messages, even though it's evident they've been seen. For a moderately peated whiskey, it's an easy to drink. It's fine neat, but I believe it's even better with a little water. It lacks complexity – it seems to be missing a savory component to balance the sweetness and peat. However, overall, I consider it a success (though I suspect even unaged spirit from Arran would be a success). Kudos to the vendor, as they eventually sent a replacement bottle, which arrived intact. Additionally, further tastings have led me to increase my rating slightly. It has a clean, fruity peat and is simply an easy-drinking spirit.

Nose: Sweet, vanilla, peat. Less sweet than Laphroaig 10. Some warming spices. Despite being cask strength, there's no alcohol burn. Floral and citrus notes. After a few sips, it's like bubble gum. Adding water increases sweetness and reduces floral notes. Palate: Sweet fruits, then becomes pungent. Coats the mouth. Finish: A bit herbal, tart, smoky, pungent. Very long. With water, it's more oaky. Pepper, dark chocolate, and smoke linger for minutes. Overall: A little harsh, feels young, but enjoyable.

Marcrimore CS 4.15 83 points Peaty, gasoline, citrus Toasted bread aroma, nutty aroma A slight soapiness, numbing spiciness Body is quite light Refreshing mint Feels like mixed fruit juice with raspberry, apple, cherry, etc. Finish is medium to long

Well-balanced smoke and sweetness; adding water enhances the smoke, citrus notes, and smoothness.

Sweet and strong. Mellows with water. Pleasant smoky impact with sweet vanilla and bourbon 😋