Arran 18 Year Old 1996 (Carn Mor Celebration of the Cask 2135)
Region: Isle of Arran
ABV: 52.65
E150: No
Chill-filtered: No
Cask Type: Sherry Puncheon
Distilled 17/12/1996, Bottled 30/03/2015
Colour: Amber
Nose: Rum raisin, raspberry, strawberry, pear, custard, malt, grass, orange peel.
Palate: Orange peel, red berries jam, cherry syrup, floral, oak, pear, red mango, red raspberry, ginger, chocolate, mint.
Finish: Medium+ finish, honey, mineral, cinnamon, pepper.
Score: 89/100
The Arran I’ve had previously are usually rather so-so, exception of the Tokaji Aszu CS release. The IBs aren’t exactly mind blowing either, but this changes my view of Arran. Spent 18 years in a Sherry Puncheon, this dram is packed with complexity. Surprising amount of tropical notes alongside the sherry influence, the Arran spirit really shining through. The palate hits you with waves of red fruits and spice, the tropical fruit from the nose is apparent here as well, pear, red mango, with nice creamy chocolate; carried through into a spicy finish with mineral notes. Fantastic stuff!