I finished reviewing Talisker’s core range last week, so it’s fitting that I’d start working my way through a new island distillery now. This is my first Arran review, so no expectations. This bottle is from before they changed the packaging; it’s the narrower bottle as opposed to the newer, squat bottles, meaning that this can be treated as an “older vintage.” Nose: Heavy on the orchard fruit. Macintosh apple, pear, and apricot. Vanilla, honey, toffee, and malt add more sweetness. There is just a touch of plum, grape, and raisin adding a bit of richness to the aroma. Floral notes. Lemon drop and orange citrus. There’s a note that is extremely reminiscent of Sprite. Mild spice and oak. Palate: Macintosh apple, pear, apricot, and orange citrus once again, along with the floral notes. White grape and golden raisin. The Sprite again. Light custard with some vanilla, toffee, and honey. Sugar cookie. Banana. Medium-roast coffee. Light spice and oak. Finish: Macintosh apple, pear, and apricot. Plum, raisin, and grape. Caramel, vanilla, and toffee. Cinnamon, baking spice, and oak. Moderate length finish. Compared to its peated counterparts, this makes for a fairly mild drinking experience. Yet, at 46%, it’s actually stronger than most of the entry level malts in this category. The flavor comes across like a Highland, which threw me off just a bit. But that’s just a product of my expectations. Every Island distillery needs to be judged on its own merits. I’m looking forward to getting a grasp on Arran. As for the 10 year, 3.75. A bit pricy at $64, but a solid whisky. I’m locked in to try the rest of the range based on the quality of this flagship malt.