Arran 9 Year Old SMWS Undulating Unctuousness 121.118 61.1%

This was a really wonderful nose, full of robust aromas of polished leather, pipe tobacco, camphor and precious hardwoods full of resins. We also got sultanas, raisins, prunes and dark, boozy fruit cake. A great sherry profile, we all agreed. With water it evolved beautifully, revealing chen pi orange peels, five spice, tangerines and highly resinous and herbal complexities. When neat, the palate showed immediate, superb sherry influence. It was rich and balanced, with old-style weight and earthy depth. We noted thick, syrupy dark fruit flavours, balsamic, rancio and walnut liqueur with natural tar resin. Water made everything perfect, as dark fruit intensity harmonised with nuts, cocoa, dark chocolate, tobacco and some ancient Fins Bois cognac. Lush and wonderful stuff!

The Isle of Arran distillery is relatively new being founded in 1993 in the picturesque village of Lochranza. The area is notably home to some of the purest water in Scotland which aids in the production of a great natural whisky. In 2015 its first 18 year old came to market and is now part of the core range.

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