Arran Signature Series II, Barrel Bonfire

A month ago, doctors discovered I had testicular cancer. The positive news is that it was in the very early stages, and thankfully, it appears to have been completely removed after surgery. I anticipate needing observation for a few years, but the outlook seems positive. This somber introduction serves only to explain that I haven't had a dram in 28 days. And this, my friends, was challenging psychologically, not due to abstaining from whisky for a short period, but rather because your life undergoes changes that make typical activities, like drinking whisky, feel abnormal. With all that said, I HAD MY FIRST COMEBACK DRAM TODAY. And naturally, I chose an Arran, as I've yet to encounter a disappointing Arran. This was the second release in Arran's Signature Series, designated "Barrel Bonfire," a rather aromatic & peaty expression. Bottled at 50% ABV. On the nose, a sweet peat. Cotton candy, incense, salt. Wow, this smells fantastic. Burnt grass; aged bananas and a general seaside aroma. On the palate, I detect pineapple notes, ashes, gunpowder; a strong note of sea salt. The second sip is quite tart, like a sour lollipop. Aftertaste is smoky, salty, ashy. Similar to sawdust used on an Ecuadorian "Monigote de año viejo." In summary, I adored this dram. A genuinely aromatic and well-developed sweet peat, making this a "Beachy" whisky. Very tropical and full of flavor, my rating is 92 out of 100.