N: Toasty oak, dried dark fruits, rich orange, dark chocolate. Slight coffee. A beautifully soft nose that without being warming in itself makes me feel warm inside. Like stepping into a fire warmed home from the winter cold, this is a rich and fulfilling nose. P: plenty of sherry influence as thick christmas spices and dark fruit rush forward on a silky caramel. The Arran ginger prickle pokes about and figgy, dates fill the mouth with creamy vanillin and chocolate. Bold, rich and surprisingly dry. F: Medium. Juicy warmth stays at the back of the throat, an almost strawberry jam lingers as a cooling reminder of the full rich palate. Praline and chocolate are short lived and warmth remains. I recently finished off an Abelour A’bunadh. As cask strength sherry casks go, this is more enjoyable and with more refreshing flavours to find. The core Arran spirit is well respected here and the finish and craftsmanship that went into this NAS release is testament to the serious quality and refinement that Arran appear to bestow upon all their beautiful nectars. The more I think about it the more the Bodgea reminds me of the Arran 18 release. The 18 is rich and deep whereas the Bodega is brighter and punchier. Both though… equally delectable. Arran freaking rocks. Freaking. Rocks. Distiller whisky taste #46