Arran Barrel Reserve is one of two entirely new expressions in the rebranded core range. It is 100% bourbon cask matured, the other new release being entirely sherry based. It should be around 7-8 years of age.
Arran Barrel Reserve (43%, OB 2019)
Nose: quite warm and lively, with a lot of vanilla and poached pears. Sweet lemon. Biscuits and white chocolate. A delicate hint of salty air. Whiffs of raw barley and yellow flowers. Not exceptional but no complaints.
Mouth: rather sweet, with creamy vanilla custard, quickly becoming more citrusy (lemon / grapefruit) with grassy touches and cereals. Not as full-bodied as I hoped, but nice enough. Hints of white pepper and charred oak.
Finish: a bit short, on apple peelings and citrus zest, with some oak shavings.
A perfectly nice entry-level malt. It offers simple pleasures and it’s well priced between € 25 and € 40 depending on your market. Available from The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt for instance.