Arran Master of Distilling II The Man with the Golden Glass

From an Arran tasting event in Sydney on July 12, 2019. This was the fifth whisky sampled. Aroma: The scent profile includes tropical fruits like mango, papaya, orange, and banana, but with a stale, musty quality, reminiscent of fruit on the verge of spoiling. Additionally, there were scents of boiled vegetables, old socks, and a broad sherry influence with strong walnut and red grape notes. Taste: A moderately sweet start that is very grape-forward and quite drying. It presented notes of yeast, doughy bread, rich butter, bitter orange oil, cider vinegar, and a significant dry wine presence. The mouthfeel was full. Finish: Lingering with a pronounced, semi-sweet sherry aftertaste. This is a very expressive single malt, though not particularly appealing to my palate. The sherry character is substantial but aged and dusty, full of flavor yet also dry with an unusual furry sensation. It differs from any sherry-matured or finished whisky I have previously encountered. The maturation casks for this whisky were personally chosen by the Arran head distiller from used solera casks at a Spanish sherry producer. The sherry type was palo cortado, historically a fino or amontillado that deviated and was then repurposed, but now intentionally crafted between amontillado and oloroso styles. Most sherry-matured or finished whiskies are aged in seasoned casks, making the use of solera casks uncommon. These are difficult to source and can be unpredictable, offering either a profound and robust quality or minimal character, similar to a steel tank. I am certain some enthusiasts would have a vastly different perspective and view this as a rare and uniquely characterized dram. However, it did not suit my preferences at all, and my rating reflects my immediate subjective impression. Rating: 73/100 (2.25 stars), categorized as 'Adequate'.

Checking this one out again with only a small amount remaining. This is a whiskey I truly enjoy, and I realize my preference isn't common, but this is exactly the style I appreciate when it's not peated. For a 12-year-old, it's remarkably full-bodied and engaging. Nose: Once poured and allowed to air for a bit, a pleasant chocolate aroma emerges. Directly from the glass, there's a captivating and amplified scent featuring bright, tart fruits, toasted hazelnuts, and smooth fudge with a hint of vanilla crème brûlée. The aroma is quite sweet, which might deter some, but I find it very appealing. It also carries a refreshing tartness, adding a youthful quality, and the alcohol (observed in a Norlan glass) is perfectly balanced in the aroma. Palate: Initially, it hits with hard toffee candy and a strong sweetness, then turns quite warm and sharp, presenting notes of sour candies, vibrant fruit salad, and spicy roasted nuts. After about thirty seconds on the tongue, it mellows into a creamy texture with a significant maltiness and a rich nutty flavor (hazelnut nougat cream) alongside a subtle chocolate undertone. It's not overly sweet, at least for my palate. The alcohol, close to 52% ABV, is noticeable but allows the flavors to fully unfold with a little patience in the mouth. The finish brings roasted cocoa nibs, a distinct woodiness, chilled coffee, nut shells, burnt sugar, and a spicy warmth at the back of the throat. Eventually, a slight metallic feeling lingers. An excellent, complex, and potent spirit for its age. I'm always pleased to revisit it. It's unfortunate that it doesn't resonate with many. I already have a backup bottle, which I plan to open in a year or two after this one is finished, to see if it still impresses.

Nose: pungent, like a jab to the nostrils, with malt, wood, sherry, but also a pine forest with cones and pine resin. Palate: this Scots pine consistently pervades the mouth, with honey, malt, candied oranges. It's warm and enveloping but unfortunately has a bitter aftertaste of 'corked'. Finish: as mentioned above, corked and bitter, unfortunately long enough as it leaves an unpleasant taste. Rating 3.50 _______________________________________________________________ Nose: pungent, like a jab to the nostrils, with malt, wood, sherry, but also a pine forest with cones and pine resin. Palate: this Scots pine consistently pervades the mouth, with honey, malt, candied oranges. It's warm and enveloping but unfortunately has a bitter aftertaste of 'corked'. Finish: as mentioned above, corked and bitter, unfortunately long enough as it leaves an unpleasant taste. Rating 3.50

I did not care for this at all; the Sherry imparted an unpleasant sourness. I was very disappointed.

It lacks depth. While there are many sherry notes, they don't contribute significantly on their own.

A hint of chocolate is present, though the aroma is more potent than the taste. Quite enjoyable.