Arran 10 Year

This was far better than a 74 rating. Give it a shot if you like a mellow scotch.

In the Glass: Lemon yellow, almost like a Chardonnay. On the Nose: Fresh fruit and some hints a sweet white wine, almost mead-like. Taste: More fresh fruit. A slight bitter note on the finish, but this subsides after a few minutes in the glass. A few drops of water helps open it further, as it's bottled at 46%; but too much water will easily drown it. This is a very pleasant and delicate malt with no chill-filtration or caramel colorant added. Very fruit-forward and seemingly unapologetic about it. Very well made spirit and good value for the money, I look forward to trying some of their other releases.

The aroma reminds me initially of the Classic Laddie 10; it's light, forwardly salty (think seagulls calling), and floral, later bringing baked apples to mind. The palate doesn't offer surprises but well reinforces the aroma with the cursory first sip — it's delicate, salty, spiceful in its maltiness, and burns early. Throughout, there are hints of sour apple, toasted oats, and an impression of an evening walk through a citrus grove in full bloom. This dram leaves with a cereal-heavy finish of medium length. Simple, light, and floral; an intriguing introduction to the Arran Malt.

Light, middle of the road option. Nice maltiness to the finish.