Arran 10 Year

Acidic after taste. Almost like vomit

Let's be clear: this is no Springbank 10, though it tastes like it wants to be. Still, as a whiskey with a clean highland flavor, it does work. Arran Robert Burns has more sulfur mixed with sweetness in a way that is drinkable, but is light and doesn't really balance. Arran 10 has a lot more grain on the nose, though there isn't a lot else and it's lighter on the nose overall. Arran 10 has a bit more floral nose, but also less apricot. The palate is smooth with a nice balanced sweetness that is fruity and floral predominantly, but then gives way to toasted grain and some smoke mixed with sea-spray. There's something a bit bitter in here too, though it's actually quite good despite being generic. There's a bit of nectar from the floral flavors and fruits, though it isn't super complex or rich and does have a young character to it. Overall, this whiskey tastes young, but well-executed for its age. It's nothing amazing, but it's perfectly sippable. I'm thinking 12-13. Maybe 14, but unlikely to be 15. Still, even at 15, there would be a respectable margin between it and Springbank 10 that would make a lot of sense. It can have a 13 for now. A fresh sip shows a bit more youth and immaturity as the alcohol burns a bit more and the rich mellowness isn't as detectable. A bit more lemon and cream come through on the nose, reminding me of a lemon meringue pie. A bit more light apricot does come out too. The nose reminds me of Green Spot a bit. The palate has a bit more harshness in a way that reminds me of Dalwhinnie. It tastes very natural and ticks several boxes, but it's still remarkably average. I think it's a bit better than Arran Robert Burns, but it isn't better by much. It's light with floral and fruit flavors that are backed by some graininess and a bit of smoke with some alcohol bringing in a tad of numbing soapiness. It really reminds me a lot of Dalwhinnie 15. It's somehow less rich and smooth than Dalwhinnie 15 is and it lacks that hint of cherry. On the flip side, it also lacks that weird off taste and is a bit more balanced despite being less complex. This is definitely less mature with more of a bourbon barrel spiciness to it than Dalwhinnie 15. This reminds me of Dalwhinnie 15 crossed with Glenmorangie The Original. I'm not sure it's actually in between the two so much as comparable with the Glenmorangie. It's fine enough, but not super exciting. Definitely sippable though. I'm landing in the 13 to 14 range on this, but sticking with the 13 for now. If it weren't for the sulfur, it say the Robert Burns version was better. If it were better balanced too, it could be great.

Light with a creamy finish

Very sweet, lots of honey