Arran 14 Year (Old Label)

Smooth and fruity, hint of spice,

The Arran 14, for me, has a really intense barley forward nose with notes of floral yeast, loads of vanilla, some toffee, craft honey and a lovely minerality in the background. The palate has a good bite but still friendly with creamy barley and vanilla notes. Finish is medium-long with notes of musty grain and the signs of the sherry maturation appears as well with some darker dried fruit notes. It does remind me of the Arran 10 but it is much cleaner, more settled and peaceful taste profile. Lovely sipping whisky. I would love to work myself through a bottle, too bad you cannot buy this anymore.

Arran 14yr old.  46%, Non Chill Filtered, Natural Color Arran is great in general. I really enjoyed the 10yr old but ended up giving it away to one of my friends who really enjoyed it after an evening of sampling whiskies.  I was surprised at just how much more you get out of the 14yr old vs the 10yr.  Both are very good but this 14 is really nice. Smelling this is great – Fruit, Almonds, Grass, Honey, Vanilla, and Barley Sugar. The Taste is vanilla, toffee, caramel apple, some sherried flavors (raisins, figs, spice, clove).  With water the spice and clove really come out and the vanilla fades a bit.  Very enjoyable neat or with water.  The Finish is medium with green apples, spice, clove and cinnamon. I'm not sure this one is being produced anymore but all Arrans are good. Overall Grade: B

Arran 14 has been on my wishlist for so many years and I’m so glad I found it. It’s remarkable, like a late-summer beach picnic. Aromas of spice bread, pineapple syrup, hibiscus tea, decadent malt, and beach rose entice. The flavors are next level, layer upon layer—overripe peach, enlivening spice like green cardamom, passion fruit, and hints of jamón serrano. The mouthwatering finish is like the post-picnic run into the surf—sweet and salty, expansive, refreshing. This single malt is simply outstanding.

Being near Islay I expected a much heavier peat, however this is a nice change of pace from a maritime whiskey. The nose is fruity and floral, and lasting throughout. Transfers nicely to the palate with hints of vanilla, caramel, chocolate, burnt sugar, apples and pears, cereal notes, and a minimal spice with just a whiff of smoke. What really stands out is the texture - velvety rich and creamy, with a true malt finish. A great showing from the Isle of Arran. Club taste (KM) - 9/24/20