If you've ever been at the beach, touched the sand, and inhaled its scent... that's what this smells like. Damp sand and salty sea air. The taste is not disappointing. A subtle sweetness lies beneath a layer of saltiness and brine. It's somewhat like enjoying s'mores on the beach, very near the ocean. The oceanic salinity and Portuguese Madeira seem to blend well. I only had a sample, but now I wish I had purchased the full bottle.
Arran Madeira Cask Finish
3.74 Decent
Whiskey Scotch Islands No age statement 50% ABV
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About this bottle
The Arran distillery expanded its product line in the summer of 2016 with this single malt whisky. Following an unspecified period of aging in oak casks, the spirit is finished in barrels that previously held madeira wine. It is bottled at a strength of 50% ABV.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 9 parsed reviews.
A long time ago, I tried a selection of this distiller's whiskies, and the Sauternes was my favorite, just beating out the 14-year-old. This Madeira is another good one; you get the sweetness, but as another person mentioned, there's salt, which creates an interesting and enjoyable combination. This is a dram that goes down very easily and has a satisfying bite and flavor in the aftertaste, which has a slight bitterness (or perhaps it's the salt). I'd rate this a 4.
I was genuinely surprised by its quality. Impressed with the distillery's output for an age-stated expression at 50% ABV for this cost; excellent work. While the 14-year is outstanding, this is also a fine choice. The nose presents milk chocolate with a hint of sea salt, and the palate is rich and buttery with a touch of spice, fruit, and a slightly tart finish. A superb drink.
Fantastic! I only had a small pour during a festival this weekend and I certainly need a larger sample.
Incredibly smooth and sweet, it was a delightful small discovery to enjoy during the Christmas break.
It smells soft and floral, is surprisingly easy to drink, yet has a strong kick. 50% ABV. Fantastic.
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