Quality is a rather obtuse concept if we stop and think about it. On one hand, it’s entirely subjective, up to the consumer to determine through their own experiences (or lack thereof) what quality is. On the other hand, we occasionally have some objective criteria to work off of. In the scotch/Irish/yummy barley juice category, it’s becoming much more common (at least on WhiskyTube…) to have a basic marker of quality include: (1) whisky that’s non-chill filtered, (2) presented with natural color (no E150 caramel color), and (3) bottles at a strength of 46% ABV or higher. If a whisky meets these criteria, it’s supposedly a higher quality bottling. But does it taste good? Does it move you? Does it prompt quiet contemplation and a momentary reduction in the chaos of your daily routine? These are less quantifiable but equally (in my opinion) important metrics in determining a score or judging the so-called quality of a spirit. Ok, lecture over. Occupational hazard. This is a whisky review still, I promise. Arran is a brand getting a lot of press lately among whisky geeks. It’s getting harder to find for good reason. It’s damn good stuff. If I were to label it a “quality whisky” according to my earlier criteria, it checks all the boxes, objective or otherwise. It’s got excelling, minimalist presentation and as recently as last night, offered me a moments respite from the swirling chaos of a week filled with teaching, meetings, moving, and the looming expectation of a new baby on the way. I’m about a third of a way through the bottle. Oxidation is its friend. As is about half a teaspoon of water. I’m adding more water to my Scotch these days. No so much bourbon, but the oils in the barley open up more with a little water I’m finding (thanks Ralphy). Chocolate, toffee, coconut, hazelnut, barley sugars, malted milk balls, and a hint of light fruit (more tropical than not) await you with time and patient exploration. This isn’t a flashy whisky with a blast of peat or Sherry. It requires patience, time, and offers a “quality” experience for those willing to take the time, slow down, and enjoy a dram over an hour or so, preferably in the absence of screens while watching a beautiful sunset or enjoying some light music by a roaring fire. Damn good whisky. I paid $50 USD for it too. Buy on sight.