Many of you now know by now that I’m not the biggest fan of Port cask finishes, but also that I’m still looking for that one single malt with such a finish that appeals to me. And today is the day that I continue my search. This time I try the Arran Port Cask Finish.
Just like last time, when I tasted the Talisker Port Ruighe, this Arran was also made possible by my dad. Actually, he is the instigator of this whole quest, because he has been trying to convince me of the Port cask finish for years by giving me a sample every time he has something new. And I have to admit, he certainly is determined, as after many failed attempts he still hasn’t given up. ? So let’s see what this Arran will bring.
This Arran is bottled at 50% ABV.
Arran Port Cask Finish tasting notes:
Nose: A mix of stewed dark fruit, with mainly blueberries and blackberries. Sweet black cherries. Followed by a layer of honey and a hint of cinnamon. Later also creme brulee.
Taste: rather sweet with a lot of Port influence. Lots of honey and all of those dark fruits again. Creme brulee. Red berries in the background. Pancake syrup, giving it a very sugary sweetness. Warm spices, black peppercorns, a hint of cinnamon and ginger.
Finish: mid-long with the same spices, all the berries again and a hint of pancake syrup.
The nose is ok but on the palate, it’s mainly the Port cask that dominates. The sweetness takes over completely and it’s just not the sweetness that I seem to like. Unfortunately, my search continues. So if you have any tips for a great whisky with a Port Cask finish that I should try, please let me know.
Tomatin 14. Reasonably priced, finished in Tawny Port casks. If you don’t like that one, you can’t be helped. Really enjoy your reviews, especially when you call out mediocrity masquerading as quality. I find your palate to be spot-on. Keep up the great work.
Thanks so much for the kind words! And I will put the Tomatin 14 on my list to try. Never had that one before, so hopefully, this will be the one. 🙂
Maybe Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14 YO ?
I was a bit skeptical at first, but quite nicely surprised, I must say. The bottle was finished much quicker than I planned (even if I don’t actually “plan” the way I drink my whisky!).
I read that the previous edition (12 YO) was less port influenced and maybe more refined, but I didn’t have the chance to try them side by side, the 12 being discontinued where I live.
Thanks for your reviews, very informative!
Thanks for your kind words and for reading my reviews. 🙂 I haven’t tried the Quinta Ruban yet. I will put that one on my list. I thought the 12 was discontinued here as well. But sometimes my local liquor shop has some old bottles on the shelves, will see if I can find it there.
Glen Scotia 14 is een goeie :).
Voor de rest ben ik voorlopig ook niet zo’n fan van whisky’s met een port finish.
Ok, dus dat kan er wel eens eentje zijn die ik dan ook lekker vind aangezien jij er ook niet zo’n fan van bent. Die ga ik dan zeker eens proberen als ik ‘m kan vinden. Bedankt voor de tip. 🙂