Maltman is a label of single cask releases by Meadowside Blending Co., a family firm based in Glasgow, run by father Donald Hart and son Andrew. Apart from these single malts, they also have a premium blend called The Royal Thistle.

In Belgium they are distributed by Malts@Home, in Holland you can find a stockist through www.themaltman.nl.

Isle of Arran 14 yo 1997
(46%, Maltman 2012, cask #747)

Nose: rather classic and aromatic. Sweet malty notes, vanilla, toffee. Apples and gooseberries. Faint kiwi. Nougat. Fresh oak. On a second level there are soft grassy notes and hay. Modern and well-made. Mouth: quite sweet and malty, lots of apple flavours again, together with some lemon and vanilla. Lemon balm too. A little honey and toffee before it turns towards oak spices: ginger, cinnamon, and a faint salty touch in the end. Finish: medium long, growing drier, with ginger and lemon zest as well as some herbal tea.

A solid Arran, balanced and natural. You may say it’s hard to justify the price compared to the official 14 years old (also at 46%), but quality-wise I really liked it. Around € 70.

Score: 85/100