This Arran 2009 from Gordon & MacPhail, just like the Talisker 18, was also part of the family tasting a few weeks ago and came out as the second most popular that you would most like to have reviewed first. So as promised, here it is. 🙂
The theme for this tasting was the unofficial whisky region: the Islands. But with an Orkney, a Tobermory, Talisker, the line-up still needed to be completed. I had to add another bottle, but I couldn’t find anything. Fortunately, Ralf recommended me this lovely Arran. Thanks again for that!
Distilled in 2009, this Arran matured for 12 years in a refill bourbon barrel before being bottled at a hefty strength of 58.2% ABV. 126 bottles were available.
Arran 2009 tasting notes:
Nose: green apples and pineapple. Then vanilla sponge cake but also vanilla custard. Fresh lemons. A hint of cotton candy. Later it also goes toward oranges but also a whiff of green tea. Lovely nose!
Taste: very creamy and very drinkable despite its high ABV. Vanilla custard and oranges. Some honey. A touch of pink grapefruit and limes. It’s slightly peppery.
Finish: long with more pepper here, lemon, and vanilla.
A tasty and uncomplicated dram, which is full of flavour. The high ABV is barely noticeable, which makes it dangerously drinkable. I tried adding some water, but that didn’t really add anything. For around €75, this is great value for money! It’s a pity it is sold out now; otherwise, I would have bought another bottle!
