Arran only started production in 1995 so this new release comprises its very first casks. The sample I tasted (labelled a mystery dram in the tasting pack for the Virtual Whisky Festival’s Arran session) was a cask strength 51.2% but the retail version is 46%. Both sherry and bourbon casks were used in its maturation. The nose is caramel syrup, brown sugar and poached pear. In the mouth, it’s chewy, with flavors of dark chocolate, a hint of pear and a faint cherry note. The medium-length finish tastes of chocolate powder. This is a delicious dram that rewards contemplation and confidently displays the best of Arran’s flavor profile, but I fear it will lose a little of its impact when diluted to its retail strength.