Arran Distillers recently picked up two gold medals at the International Wine & Spirits Competition for this Arran 10 Year Old and the top-of-the-range Arran 18 Year Old. In general we don’t attach much value to all these awards, but it has to be said Arran is often getting praise for its commitment to quality.
About time we review this cornerstone expression…
Arran 10 yo
(46%, OB +/- 2018)
Arran 10 yoNose: a very honest, naked dram. There’s a nice pineapple / pear sweetness, creamy malty notes and sugary biscuits. Vanilla custard. Light heathery / herbal touches. Aromatic honey. Round and pleasant.
Mouth: sweet and fruity again, now with a bit more oak influence, fresh American oak. Melons, apples, orange candy. A green malty note. Vanilla. Honey. Indeed very much in line with the nose.
Finish: quite long, on yellow apples, subtle leafy notes and oak spices.
A nice everyday dram, with lots of malty notes and a round fruity edge. Unpretentious whiskymaking, we like that. Around € 40 from The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt for instance.
Score: 83/100