Arran Quarter Cask ‘The Bothy’ is finished for two years in 125 litre quarter casks, after the initial maturation in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels for 7 years. Far greater contact between whisky and oak make this a kind of supercharged expression.
This cask strength whisky already existed in the core range and it survived the brand makeover of 2019. It takes an opposite stance to the Arran Sherry Cask, which has a similar age and is also bottled at cask strength.
Arran Quarter Cask ‘The Bothy’ (56,2%, OB 2019)
Nose: citrus fruits, plenty of creamy vanilla and yellow apples. Lots of grassy notes and almonds, with a bit of an alcoholic / varnished kick as well. Fresh oak shavings. A little coconut and nutmeg. Slightly fragrant heathery notes. Mint. Quite woody, but a drop of water takes away the rough edge.
Mouth: sweet fruity notes again (pineapple, pear, lemon candy) moving towards zesty grapefruit and some chilli and ginger. Coconut again, with a fresh mentholated layer as well. Hints of pencil shavings. Here as well I’m not sure the high ABV is an asset, I prefer it with water.
Finish: medium long, on malty notes and fragrant woody touches.
I remember I really liked the first batch of The Bothy, but this time I’m missing the exotic fruits. I seem to prefer it at a lower strength as well. Available from The Whisky Exchange or TyndrumWhisky and others of course.