Arran Amarone Cask Finish Single Malt

The nose, to say the least, is complicated, and FRUSTRATING!!!! It has a fruit punch quality, with strawberries, and other red fruits. But there is something else, that reminds me of, strangely enough, basil!?! The tongue is sweet, buttery, and very nice. The finish is short and sweet, and easy

The nose is interesting. Strawberry, berry liquor.. it's one of those times I really get annoyed I can't put a finger on what I'm tasting or smelling. There is something else it reminds me of. Stronger on the ethanol but a few drops of water calm it down. The finish is strong enough to almost balance it out. It's not crafted nearly as well as the Balblair I had last night. I think I'd compare it to the Tyrconnell 10 sherry. Loads of flavour but rougher round the edges; if you'd had a few drams you'd definitely rate it higher than if it's first up as your tongue needs to be numb to the ethanolly nature. I'm not a nose man but I prefer the nose to the palate in this case. If I could vapourise and inhale this one I would. Red current gummies someone noted which matched what I smelt or sweet fruit compote (wohoo I had an original thought). It's almost like someone crossed mild chilli peppers and strawberries. Anyway off my meandering soapbox and on to rating. Nose 4.5. Taste 3.5...rating 3.75 it is. A rare dram where the quality of the nose pulls the palate off the floor, dusts it up and makes the combined package more than average. Afterthought: I went away did drunk dad trampoling with the kids and tried it again. Taste improved a fair bit..psychology, air, my tongue numbing to the ethanolliness or the chimay and garage project dessert lager all started kicking in..or something else but I've adjusted my taste rating up to 3.5. Overall rating stays the same.

sweet and caramel, strong alcohol, bit of pear