Arran Port Cask Finish Single Malt

Encountered this one locally and couldn't resist, as I truly appreciate both of the other barrel-finished Arrans. On the nose: blackberry preserves, apricot, ginger, freshly roasted coffee beans, tobacco. The palate brings to mind the Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban, but the flavors are somewhat more distinct. The dark port fruit dominates the tropical fruit of the Arran malt. The ginger appears, especially on the finish. A touch of dark chocolate. Now for a ported scotch showdown. Arran Port Cask Finish versus Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban. The nose on the Arran is sharper and brighter than the QR. The QR smells older, which I suspect is because it is. It also has the floral note that I associate with Glenmo. I'd give the edge to the QR on the nose. The palate of the QR comes across as more sour when compared to the Arran. There's more wood with a somewhat more tannic and bitter finish. The palate of the Arran is brighter, fruitier, and generally more flavorful. I'm sure the increase in proof contributes here. There is perhaps a better balance of the fruit and oak in the QR, but I prefer the Arran's palate. The finish of the Arran shows some spicy ginger, which I enjoy in Arran's malt, and the flavor lingers a bit longer. Overall, the Arran comes out on top, but there's a significant difference in price in my area. I purchased the QR for $39 and the Arran for $72. And for that price difference, I'd say I'd be more inclined to revisit the QR than buy the Arran again. Also, I think this is my least favorite of the Arran finishes, so I'd be more likely to purchase the Sauternes or Amarone again.

The aroma begins with strawberries covered in powdered sugar, caramelized mango, and dried apricots, followed by light floral notes and a mild sea salt, then cherries jubilee, pineapple, and lemon zest. This transitions to gentle baking spices and light oak with a moderate alcohol burn. The taste has a medium body, starting with smooth tropical fruits before a moderate spice that gradually gives way to raspberries dusted with powdered sugar and dried apricots, then light floral notes and a rocky, seaside mineral quality. This is followed by black cherry jam, pineapple, and lemon zest, transitioning to mild baking spices and light oak with a moderate alcohol burn. The finish is medium in length, beginning with sweet, creamy tropical fruits that fade into red berries, a mild peppery spice, and gentle baking spices. In summary, this is another delightful release from Arran where the port influence isn't overwhelming, allowing for a balance of tropical fruits and red berries, along with some mild spices. However, it suffers on the palate and finish with more spice than I personally prefer. After sampling Arran's Sauternes finish, I was eager to try the Port finish, but unfortunately, this didn't turn out as well. At roughly $80, it's a reasonably priced single malt that would be more suitable for individuals who prefer higher spice levels than I do. I'm very thankful to a friend for the generous sample that allowed me to try it.

Nose: Abundant berries with a jammy juiciness. Crème brûlée and dark fruits, pepper, and cocoa are layered over the signature Arran malt character. Palate: Creamy, with notes of ginger, pepper, bitter cocoa, hazelnut, and cherries. A tiny addition of water reveals a light orange hue and some of the honeyed notes found in other Arran expressions. Finish: Medium-short. A drying sensation with buttery toasted pastry, jams, and bitter dark chocolate. This is the final tasting from my flight tonight; all were excellent and distinct. Yet, the fundamental Arran spirit profile unites them. While the Sauternes finish is bright and refined like springtime, and the Amarone is autumnal with deep, fleeting flavors and an exciting profile, this Port cask expression is wintery. It's richer, darker, and more potent than the others. This port cask reminds me of Ron Burgundy: 'I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany' – this port cask finish belongs in a deep Chesterfield armchair amidst musty books and luxury. For anyone aiming to create whisky without mistakes, Arran is a good model to emulate. Whisky taste #49

Nose: Intense oak sweetness. Evokes the scent of a sophisticated study, where port has permeated the furnishings over time. Hints of leather, tobacco, walnut oil, vanilla, orange, raspberry, black cherry, and caramel. After the initial taste, the palate contributes its own aromas, and the nose reveals fruit compote, sherry, espresso, and oak. With further time, the aroma becomes more delicate and fragrant. Excellent. Palate: A rich, gently warming, and subtly sweet entry, showing impeccable class. Notes of ginger, dried fruits, orange oil, raisins, sultanas, and muscatels. All sorts of berries, milk chocolate, and baked apples with cinnamon. The mouthfeel is superb – just on the edge of oily, leaning towards softly silken and syrupy (desirable). Finish: Medium to long. Initially sweet with fruity notes, it gracefully transitions to a demi-sec chocolate and grape finish. Expertly crafted, with a drying sensation at the end. Another fantastic cask finish from Arran. I believe the tasting notes cover everything; it's a truly excellent whisky (tasted from a 30ml sample). "Very Good": 86/100 (4 stars)

Aroma: Pomelo, red fruit, deep caramel, orange, sultanas. Palate: Pleasant ginger heat, charred orange peel, rich apple/pear nectar, somewhat astringent/dry, mild sultana sweetness, faint citrus rind bitterness. Aftertaste: Persistent prickle, extremely desiccating, nearly starchy like an unripe banana, subtle sultana sweetness with apple/pear notes. Rating: 75/100. Overall Impressions: Unfortunately, this was somewhat underwhelming. The bouquet was appealing and complex, but it didn't quite deliver on the tongue. The scent offered a well-rounded Scotch with a good mix of zest and sugar, yet upon tasting, it felt rather heated and quite astringent. The flavor was agreeable, but its astringency was quite a diversion, and it carried a noticeable bitter note from citrus peel. Would I partake if offered? - Yes. Would I specifically request it? - No. Would I purchase a bottle? - No.

Nose: malt, sweet, wine-like, spiced, fresh plums, light oak, buttery, vanilla, red berries, dried fruit, dates, citrus, faint hazelnuts, and a touch of alcohol presence. Palate: good match to the nose, with lots of spice, citrus fruit leaning towards oranges, alcohol warmth (which is not unpleasant), sweet, oaky, vanilla, and gentle smoke. Finish: medium to long, with prevailing sweetness, alcohol warmth, and oak. Light smoke and buttery notes. Overall impressions: good whisky, complex aromas and great notes on the palate. Unchillfiltered and no added color whisky, with good oiliness. Recommended for sipping neat or with ice.