After initially aging in traditional oak casks for several years, the Arran Single Malt in this bottle has been 'finished' in a selection of Amarone wine casks. The wine casks used in this bottling come from an artisan Amarone wine producer in the Veneto region of Italy.
Nose: Leather, plums, currants and barley malt followed by burnt oak and notes of cinnamon, green apple and black pepper. Smoke, discreet at first, is lifted by aromas of red fruits, creamy briar porridge and a touch of pipe tobacco.
Mouth: European oak is clearly perceptible. Dry and spicy, it offers notes of burnt oak and roasted coffee beans. A sweetness close to candied and dried fruit cake, a hint of black pepper. With a little water, the smoke and fruity cask sweetness intensify, bringing out notes of Apples and pears.
Finish: Smoky malt, glowing charcoal, sea salt and earthy smoke.
Nose: A herbaceous, floral note immediately reveals itself through aromas of tomato plants and heather, accompanied by a hint of morello cherry and smoked bacon.
Mouth: Sweet and savory meet, with notes of smoked ham, raspberry jam and honey.
Finish: Characteristic coastal notes appear on the finish.
Nose: Spicy and savory, with notes of Marmite, burnt toast, endive, charcoal and coffee. The herbaceous Ardbeg top note is very present, and is complemented by aromas of smoke and molasses.
Mouth: The spicy mouthfeel gives way to a host of rich, smoky flavors of cocoa powder, dark chocolate, caramelized peanuts and smoky lime, with a hint of soot and embers. Anise and malted cookie come to the fore.
Nose: Poached pears, hints of cranberry and honey
Mouth: Sweet, honeyed, pears, cherries, dark chocolate.