Arran 20 Year "Brodick Bay" Explorers Series Volume 1
Whisky: Arran 20 Year "Brodick Bay" Explorers Series Volume 1
Country/Region: Scotland/Islands
ABV: 49.8%
Cask: Bourbon, Sherry, Oloroso
Age: 20 Years (Distilled 2018)
Nose: Pastries, fruits, honey, herbal teas, floral accents with hints of citrus, bergamot.
Palate: Medium-bodied, pastries, cream, fruits, a touch of pepper in the background, floral teas, honey, sherry casks, vanilla, clove oil.
Finish: Medium to long with dried fruits, a kiss of salt, and more malty pastries.
Score: 7 (83)
Mental Image: High Tea on High Street
Narrative & Notes: Pastries and mellow fruits arrived for high tea on a tiered platter of scones, biscuits, and mini cakes— a classically Arran start that was malty, fruity, and honey-sweet. In the tea pot, something herbal and slightly floral with hints of orange and occasionally bergamot. Medium-bodied the flavor profile drifted from strawberry cream pastries to hibiscus and passionflower tea with simple syrup or a touch of whipped honey on whole grain bread rolls. The influence of the sherry casks was more readily apparent on the palate as stone fruits slowly gathered steam with a touch of clove oil and vanilla, while pepper lingered at the end. The finish was medium to long with dried fruits, a kiss of salt, and more malty pastries.
The first of the Explorers series from Arran, this release showcased the maltier side of the spirit with tons of big pastry notes and cereals coming out ahead of the fruitier inclinations of the sherry maturation. It was missing Arran’s earthiness, but had all the other elements to make it something of a classic. I thought the flavors were not quite as clear and well-defined as Volumes Two and Four of the series, but not nearly as muddled as volume three.
Overall, a versatile malt and something more of a session or sipping whisky than some of the others in the series. I did not think it quite hit the same highs, though it was not far off.
