Arran 21yo whiskybase.com

Today, let me introduce to you the Arran 21yo, specially bottled for whiskybase.com. This whisky spent 21 years in bourbon casks before being bottled for a limited edition of 180 bottles only. In other words, this one was quickly sold out. Arran (the island’s only distillery, but there were more than 50 of them in the past) is renowned for its special finishes in different barrels of wine or other spirits. But, sometimes, “simplicity” also pays with only “simple” bourbon casks.

Nose: Very sweet and very fruity, on mandarins with a hint of lemon. Vanilla notes with a hint of spice. A little woody touch, that could maybe let you think to a new barrel.

Mouth: Very fruity, here too, but almost monotonous, I would have preferred a real fruit salad. But you’ve got a nice honeyed sweetness and a wonderful creamy sensation that counterbalances this little lack of complexity. There’s still this woody touch but the spices notes are more powerful than with the nose. By the way, would you like some vanilla too? Hoooo yes, sir, with pleasure. (Hoot, that’s it, I’m talking again all alone, poor me).

Finish: Moderately long, with vanilla and the same woody touch.

Note: 89/100

For a starting price of 125€, shipping costs included, you will only find this Arran 21yo on the parallel market for around 200€. Personally, I’ve tasted less good for more than that price. For 125€ it was a damn good deal. But it still worth this higher price.