Whisky: Arran Small Batch Heavily Peated Rum Cask Finish

Country/Region: Scotland/Islands

ABV: 57.2%

Cask: Bourbon, Rum Cask (2Y)

Nose: Tropical citrus, pipe tobacco, menthol, finger limes, shoreline breeze, mellow salinity, burning driftwood, with time more grilled pineapple and tropical fruits.

Palate: Medium-bodied with caramelized grilled fruits, pineapple, salinity, blue vanilla syrup, hibiscus tea, citrus, more syrupy with time, hints of minerality, tobacco and driftwood bonfire at the end.

Finish: Long and lingering with mineral-saline rich notes of candied citrus and sand.

Score: 7

Mental Image: Beach Camp Breakfast

Narrative & Notes: The aroma was initially tropical, sweet, and mellow, with citrus and a hint of herbal tobacco in the background. With more time to sit, it took on more smoke and smoldering driftwood as a mellow shoreline salinity drifted behind grilled stone fruits and pineapple. Those caramelized tropical fruits appeared throughout the medium-bodied palate with hints of vanilla, mango, lime, and hibiscus syrups. A sparkling salinity paired with citrus to brighten the palate as sugary syrups developed further. Waiting at the end were salty notes of driftwood bonfires and herbal tobacco. The finish was long with lingering mineral-saline rich notes of candied citrus peel and wet sand.

I have had a mixed experience with peated Arran, but I did not have to try hard to love this one; it was heavenly from the first sip. I was a bit worried when I enjoyed the aroma so much— how could the palate possibly deliver? Peated Arran has let me down before, so I girded myself for disappointment. Yet, the first sip was magical as loads of sweet caramelized fruits danced across the palate. The profile did feel a tad simpler in subsequent tastings, with citrus and salt taking a more central role, though the effect was still pleasant.

Overall, I thought this was incredibly well-balanced and well-integrated.  The rum cask elevated the natural tropical fruit of Arran so that the peatier elements stood in the background and complemented, rather than complicated, the flavor profile.

Image Credit: Whisky Auctioneer