A while ago I decided to review some more bottles from the core ranges of distilleries, especially those that are also very affordable. For example, the Tomatin Legacy and the Aberlour 12 year old Double Cask have already been reviewed, but for today I will be reviewing the Arran Quarter Cask.
The idea behind this had arisen because these bottles were actually not reviewed enough by me, partly because I drink these little myself and I mainly review bottles that I actually buy myself. But I think they also deserve a place here on Whiskylifestyle right? Besides that, I also like to have a nice combination of reviews of both indie bottles and official bottles, different price ranges and whisky from various countries on my website. So there’s something for everyone!
This Arran is has matured in ex-bourbon casks for about 7 years, before being finished in American oak quarter casks (125 L) for another 2 years. Bottled at 56.2% ABV.
Arran Quarter Cask tasting notes:
Nose: Fresh and not fresh at the same time, if that makes sense. ?Hazelnuts and lemons. A sweet honey. A wood note. A cork infused with a red wine, oddly enough. Creme brulee. With water: Fresher, more towards oranges and lemons.
Taste: Sweet and spicy. Honey again. Hazelnuts. A herbal note, going towards liquorice. Oak. Toffee. Cinnamon and black pepper. With water: Softer, sweeter, fruitier. Also adds butterscotch.
Finish: Mid-long and quite dry. Oaky and somewhat bitter. Honey underneath.
A nice and rich whisky, but at some point, it seems there’s just a tad too much wood influence. And for about €45,- it’s certainly not too bad. I prefer it with a few drops with water though, makes it just a little bit more enjoyable.
