This is probably one of the oldest bottlings of Arran on the market (production started in the summer of 1995). It was bottled by Morrison & Mackay (the company behind Càrn Mòr among others) for Lockett Bros.
Arran 18 y 1996 ‘The Island of Fidra’ (50,6%, Morrison & MacKay for Lockett Bros 2015, bourbon hogshead #1300, 200 btl.)
Arran 18 y 1996 ‘The Island of Fidra’ (50,6%, Morrison & MacKay for Lockett Bros 2015, bourbon hogshead #1300, 200 btl.)Nose: bright and fresh, with lots of variations on lemon (juice, balm, lemonade) with freshly crushed mint leaves. Caramel apple. A little vanilla cake and touches of Magnolia. Hints of sea spray and coconut. Quite excellent really.
Mouth: very citrusy again with a remarkable minty freshness. Creamy barley notes. Some custardy notes before grapefruit sets in, alongside a subtle oaky bitterness and liquorice. A faint peppery kick.
Finish: quite long, with sweeter citrus notes and an oaky edge.
Exemplary Arran, very clean and bright, with a highly refreshing minty side. Very drinkable as well. Good selection. Around € 105.
Score: 88/100