I got a chance to try this high end offering from a new friend in the Boston area (who wishes to remain anonymous). I haven’t had many pours from Arran distillery, but this one looked really good and was finished in rum casks. I like a good curveball every now and then. The High Seas is a special, cask strength release that uses a very cool presentation : the case looks and opens like an old book. I believe it’s meant to recreate clever ways pirates used to smuggle alcohol around the islands. It’s bottled at 54.4% ABV and is extremely light gold with thin legs and tiny water droplets left behind after a spin. The nose starts off salty with some peppery oak notes, but if you give it some time you’re rewarded with vanilla and coconut notes and even a hint of peppermint. It’s very lively. The palate brings lots of rum cask flavors and a lot of heat. Pepper and citrus add an additional layer of zing, but the overall mouthfeel is still luscious and oily. The finish is long and ridiculously hot (and I loved every bit of it). It turned dry and salty again at the very end and left behind a nice coconut note. Overall, it’s a great offering. I love the coconut and rum curveball, especially after sipping on a peaty Ardbeg. Thanks again, Mr Anonymous- I owe you a nice thank you pour for this one. 4.25-4.5 stars. I wouldn’t mind finding a bottle of this at some point. It’s a great change of pace. Cheers.