Arran Port Cask Finish Single Malt

Dried fruit - couple drops of water dulled the profile a bit too much so I would keep it neat.

Ran into this one locally and couldn't resist, as I really enjoy both of the other barrel-finished Arrans. On the nose blackberry preserves, apricot, ginger, fresh roasted coffee beans, tobacco. The palate is reminiscent of the Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban, but the flavors are somewhat more pronounced. The dark port fruit overlays the tropical fruit of the Arran malt. The ginger sneaks in there especially on the finish. A little bit of dark chocolate. Now for a ported scotch death match. Arran Port Cask Finish vs. Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban. The nose on the Arran is sharper and brighter than the QR. The QR smells older, which I'm guessing because it is. It's also got the floral note that I associate with Glenmo. I'd give the edge to the QR on the nose. The palate of the QR comes across as more sour in comparison to the Arran. There's more wood with a somewhat more tannic and bitter finish. The palate of the Arran is brighter, fruitier, and overall a bit more flavorful. I'm sure the bump in proof helps here. There is perhaps a better balance of the fruit and oak in the QR, but I prefer the palate of the Arran. The finish of the Arran shows some spicy ginger, which I enjoy in Arran's malt, and the flavor lingers a little more. Overall, the Arran comes out on top, but there's a significant difference in price around here. I bought the QR for $39 and the Arran for $72. And for that difference, I'd say that I'd be more likely to repeat the QR than buy the Arran again. Also, I think this is my least favorite of the Arran finishes, so I'd be more inclined to buy the Sauternes or Amarone again.

Nice smooth and balanced flavour Warm fruity finish.

A bit spirity and sharp at first at 50%. A couple of drops of water settle this down and bring forward some light port flavors such as plum and raisin, mixed with Arran's typical biscuity base malt. I like it quite a bit, although it doesn't ascend to the higher levels of other port finished whiskies I've adored over the years like Glendronach Port Wood, Laphroig Brodir or Kavalan Concert Master.

Interesting taste, very light smoky taste