It’s just one year until the Arran 18 Year Old will be launched. It will form a trilogy with Arran 16 years and this Arran 17 years. It was matured in ex-sherry hogsheads and it is the oldest official release yet from this distillery (again).
Arran 17 years
(46%, OB 2014, 9000 btl.)
Arran 17 yearsNose: fresh and fruity like we’ve come to expect from The Arran. More stewed fruits this time and definitely more spices. A cider apple sourness too, especially the first few minutes. Settles on cut apples, berries, candied orange peel and a little honey but overall its spiciness makes it seem drier than most Arrans. Aniseed and ginger, clove as well as soft pepper. A bit of dusty oak.
Mouth: fairly spicy and sharp at first, with citrus and dry hints of tobacco leaves. Then honey and apricots on syrup with a chocolate sweetness in the background, before the spices move to the front again. Cardamom, clove, pepper. Really light sherry.
Finish: medium long, on spiced apples, liquorice and soft oak.
This Arran 17 Year Old revolves around wood spices besides the typical, fairly light, easy-drinking character. Well-made whisky but I prefer the 16. Around € 75.
Score: 86/100