Arran Port Cask
50%
8 to 9 years old
8 years in Bourbon barrels and finishing in Port casks
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Arran is situaded on the Isle of Arran, between Campbeltown and Mainland. The distillery is most famous for having almost all its bottlings at 46%ABV and higher, or even cask strength, which is quite nice in an era where a lot of single malts are 40% !
This bottle was first matured in ex-Bourbon casks and then finished in Port casks. Wine finish (except Sherry) has really taken off in the last 10 years. So let’s see how it compares against other classics.
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Color : bronze.
Nose : lemon mixed with cherries soaked in chocolate. Fruits from the orchards: peaches, green apples and nectarines.
Palate : sugar and acidity are balanced. We feel the influence of Porto with rich notes of chocolate and red fruits. The rest is under the influence of the fruits, with a citrusy tip of citrus: lemon, but especially grapefruit.
Final : long and strong, marked by the higher alcohol level. Hints of milk chocolate and lemon are felt.
Comments : I always recommend the Glenmorangie Quinta Ribbon when it comes to Scotch finishes in Porto casks. Although I would not stop recommending it to beginners, the Arran Port Cask has just taken its place for confirmed hobbyists. Everything is there: the influence of Porto, the texture in the mouth, the long finish, the high alcohol content … At 80 $ CAN it’s a must have!
Arran Port Cask
8.6Reader's Review